Saraki asks Court of Appeal to halt plans to arrest him

Embattled President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki,  has approached the Court of Appeal to compel the Code of Conduct Tribunal to stay action on an order it made Friday for his arrest.

The Tribunal had on Friday ordered the arrest of Mr. Saraki for failing to appear on Friday as hearing on a 13-count charge of alleged corruption levelled against him commence.
The chairman of the tribunal, Danladi Umar, issued a bench warrant against the Senate President, brushing aside a Federal High Court order seeking to stop Mr. Saraki’s arraignment.
Mr. Saraki had on Thursday obtained a Federal High Court order directing that the case against him to be halted.

But Mr. Saraki’s lawyers have now approached the Court of Appeal seeking a stay of execution of the arrest warrant.

The processes were filed Monday morning, according to the senate president’s media adviser, Yusuph Olaniyonu.

He said the processes have now been served on the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
“They (Tribunal) are now aware that an appeal has been filed,” Mr. Olaniyonu said.
On Friday, the prosecution counsel, Muslim Hassan, asked the tribunal to order Mr. Saraki’s arrest for failing to appear before it, arguing that the high court had parallel jurisdiction with the tribunal and as such, had no powers to halt a trial of the tribunal.
Mr. Saraki’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu, however, prayed the tribunal to adjourn the case until after the Federal High Court sitting on Monday.
But the tribunal chairman granted the prayer of the prosecutor.
The Code of Conduct Bureau had slammed a 13-count charge of corruption on Mr. Saraki.
In charge number ABT/01/15, dated September 11 and filed before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Mr. Saraki is accused of offences ranging from anticipatory declaration of assets to making false declaration of assets in forms he filed before the Code of Conduct Bureau while he was governor of Kwara state.
According to the charges,  the Senate President is also accused of failing to declare some assets he acquired while in office as governor.

Among other offences, including allegedly acquiring assets beyond his legitimate earnings, Mr. Saraki is also accused of operating foreign accounts while being a public officer – governor and senator.

The offences, the charge said, violated sections of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.
Mr. Saraki is also said to have breached Section 2 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act and punishable under paragraph 9 of the said Fifth Schedule of the Constitution.
The charges were prepared by M.S. Hassan, a deputy director in the office of the Attorney General of the Federation. It is not clear on Wednesday morning whether the document had been served on Mr. Saraki, Nigeria’s number three man.

Mr. Saraki dismissed the charges as “false and frivolous”.
“… Those behind this plot will definitely meet Dr. Saraki in court as this case, which is based on outright fabrication and mischief, will not and cannot stand the test of justice,” Mr. Saraki said in a statement.

Christian Refugees Before Muslims? Islamic Leader Slams Catholic Archbishop for Wanting to Save Christians First

The Islamic leader further argued that such sectarian thinking is what "got Iraq and Syria into the problems they're facing now."

The Islamic State terror group has conquered cities across Iraq and the civil war-torn Syria, forcing millions of people to flee as refugees. While most are making their way toward Western European countries, creating a migrant crisis in Europe, other nations such as Australia have said that they will increase their refugee intake to over 25,000 people.

"This is a very significant increase in Australia's humanitarian intake and it's a generous response to the current emergency," Prime Minister Tony Abbott said, according toBBC News.

"Our focus for these new 12,000 permanent resettlement places will be those people most in need of permanent protection — women, children and families from persecuted minorities who have sought temporary refuge in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey."

Mohamed's comments come in response to several suggestions that the Australian government focus first on helping the Christian refugees.

Employment minister Eric Abetz said Tuesday that Christians in the Middle East were "the most persecuted group in the world" and should be made a priority in terms of receiving help.

Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce added on ABC Radio that although a number of religious minorities are being persecuted in the region, it was "the reality [that] the future of Christianity in that area is over."

Sydney's Catholic Archbishop Anthony Fisher also made similar comments, noting that "other groups are also suffering badly and being persecuted but many Syrian Christians have relatives and a cultural affinity in Australia and we should be honouring those ties and connections."

Both the Australian Catholic and Anglican Churches have called for the government to increase its intake of refugees.

"The church has today written to Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Immigration Minister Peter Dutton offering to cooperate with the government in any way it can to help resettle the refugees," a statement from the church read.

Vatican leader Pope Francis has urged every Catholic parish in Europe to take in at least one refugee family, and called on the world's religious community to reach out and help with the crisis.

"Before the tragedy of tens of thousands of refugees fleeing death in conflict and hunger and are on a journey of hope, the Gospel calls us to be close to the smallest and to those who have been abandoned," Francis said.

Mohamed asserted, however, that Australian Muslims are facing "yet another form of discrimination, or marginalisation and of targeting."

He said that suggestions of prioritizing Christians "assert the counter narrative that Muslims are always going to be discriminated against and vilified in the Australian community."

Back in August, the European Union member state of Slovakia announced that it would only be taking in Christian refugees, and not Muslims.

Interior ministry spokesman Ivan Netik argued that the country's policy is not discriminatory.

"We want to help Europe with the migration issue. We could take 800 Muslims but we don't have any mosques in Slovakia so how can Muslims be integrated if they are not going to like it here?" Netik asked.

Christian Refugees Wonder 'Is Any Place Safe'

SODERTALJE, Sweden -- Middle East Christians escaping militant Islam have found a safe refuge in the West.

The massive wave of Muslim migrants into Europe has left some of those Christians wondering if any place is safe, according to a group of Christian migrants in Sodertalje, Sweden.

More than half of the people in Sodertalje are Christian immigrants, most have fled violence and persecution in Iraq and Syria.

Many have come to churches because they want to express themselves freely, to worship freely in the West.

But even in Sweden, they are questioning their safety and their future.

Those attending services at St. Efrem's are members of the Syriac Orthodox Church - the world's oldest Christian community. They pray and sing in Aramaic, the ancient language of Jesus.

Some of the Christians are worried about the sudden wave of new migrants and refugees entering Europe.

"If the massive influx of Muslim immigrants come from North African countries and from Middle Eastern countries, they want to impose Sharia law. We are just trying to keep our traditions and our values and our democracy alive," David Dag, with the Aramean Democratic Organization of Sweden, said.

As thousands pour over borders, will they assimilate and embrace Western culture, or will they attempt to impose their ways on the West? And as they did in Iraq and Syria, will these Muslim refugees extend their war to Europe?

These Christians found a safe haven in Sweden, but now some fear it may eventually be lost.

Amer Georges Behnam, an Iraqi immigrant, worked with the Americans in Iraq. He fled his country because his life was threatened.

"I was an engineer and I wanted to build my country but they wouldn't let me. They forced me out of my country. I'm afraid these newcomers may want to destroy this peaceful country," Behnam said.

Some people on social media are questioning the motives of the refugees. A Hungarian police video shows male migrants tossing water onto train tracks. They said they didn't want food or water, they only wanted to get to Germany.

But why? Are they seeking jobs and a better life, or are some coming to wage war on Europe?

ISIS claims 4,000 of its jihadists have infiltrated the refugee ranks. Bulgarian border guards have already arrested suspected ISIS terrorists posing as refugees.

Aiham Jneidi, a Muslim migrant from Syria. has some advice for the Swedish government.

"Before letting them settle here, the Swedish government should check Facebook and use other means to determine if these refugees were fighters in Syria or Iraq," Jneidi said.

Some Christian migrants of Sodertalje believe European governments need to do more to protect them and Western culture from a potential armed, or unarmed Islamic invasion.

"They're trying to be nice, but it doesn't work," Dag said. "They should be concerned for the future generations and take their Christianity more seriously and come back to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

'Every 5 Minutes a Christian Is Martyred for Their Faith,'

A persecution watchdog group is warning believers that statistics suggest a Christian is martyred for their faith every five minutes somewhere around the world.

As part of this year's International Day of Prayer, which falls on Nov. 8, Christian Freedom International is encouraging all Christian churches to join them in praying for the safety of those who are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ.

"I encourage you to pray for Persecuted Believers," CFI president Jim Jacobson said in a statement shared with The Christian Post on Tuesday.

"They are your Christian family throughout the world. Pray for their safety; that they would be emboldened to continue sharing the Gospel even in the face of persecution; that their persecutors would also come to know Christ as they observe the courageous witness of these believers."

CFI is preparing for the prayer event by offering a free resource kit for churches, which includes posters and bulletin inserts, Sunday school curriculum suggestions, Bible verses speaking about persecution, and other materials.

A number of persecution watchdog groups and activists have used the estimate that a Christian is martyred for their faith every five minutes, including sociologist Massimo Introvigne of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Introvigne said back in June 2011 that every year at least 105,000 people are killed simply because of their faith as Christians — though that number is likely to have grown in the past year with the rise of the Islamic State terror group.

"If these numbers are not cried out to the world, if this slaughter is not stopped, if it is not acknowledged that the persecution of Christians is the first worldwide emergency in the matter of violence and religious discrimination, the dialogue between religions will only produce beautiful conferences but no concrete results," he said in 2011 at a conference on Christian-Jewish-Muslim interfaith dialogue, according to Zenit.org.

Similar statistics from Caritas Italiana, a charity helping persecuted Christians throughout the world, notes that there are as many as 100 million followers of Christ, along with other religious minorities, who are being targeted for their beliefs.

Beside the widespread persecution throughout the Middle East and Africa, somewhere between 50,000 and 70,000 Christians are also being held in detention camps in North Korea, where Christianity is illegal, the charity said.

Persecution watchdog group Open Doors CEO and President David Curry told CP back in October 2014 that it is important for Christians to prepare for and get together on the annual International Day of Prayer.

"I think it's important considering all that has happened in the last year, from Iraq to Syria, to the issues of persecution in North Korea; that we have a time here in America to come together and pray as one body of believers for the people who are part of our family, who are persecuted."

The Day Every Christian in Pakistan Remembers

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1: 2-4 (NIV)

September 22, 2013 is a day that every Christian in Pakistan remembers. It's the day when twin suicide blasts swallowed up the lives of dozens of worshippers and changed the lives of hundreds in All Saints Church in Peshawar.

On that Sunday, none of the believers thought it would be their last one. The carnage has left others alone, sick, injured and with a sadness that the survivors can't overcome. The pain of losing the dear and loved ones in such a barbaric way will always remain with them.

The church where once they all worshipped together is now a reminder of the time when they lost their loved ones. However, the attacks have not weakened the survivors' faith; rather, it has made them stronger.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.  James 1:12 (NIV)

Talking to the victims and the survivors of the Peshawar Church blast reveals nothing but the strength and the faith that these Christian still have, even after going through the biggest tragedy of their lives.

"The (victims) of the blast still go to the church and they are not scared," Asher Ashkar Gohar said.

Gohar was in the church that day and had prepared a special Bible study for the youth group for that particular Sunday.

"As I opened my file to share my thoughts with my friends after the church service, I heard a blast. At that time, I didn't know that it was a suicide attack," he said.

Gohar recalled the suffering and the pain he saw all around as he was taken to the hospital with severe injuries.

"It took me almost a year to get fully recovered from my injuries. However, I still have scars which would always remind me of that day," he said.

During my conversation with Gohar, I could sense the conviction and the strength he still bears.

"It has made me much stronger as God has given me the strength to overcome the pain that day has inflicted upon me and all the survivors," he said.

Gohar, 23, is now pursuing his Masters' degree in English literature at the University of Peshawar and is actively working with the youth of the church.

Just like Gohar, every other victim of the bombings demonstrates the resilience that these Christians have. The most painful part is that each one of the survivors have lost either a family member or a very closer relative.

Yasir Bhatti, another young Christian man from Peshawar, shared his memories of that day.

"I was preparing the youth for a project named 'Run for the Nation' Marathon. As I was discussing with my friends the plan to go about it, all of a sudden we were all shaken by the roar of the blasts," Bhatti said.

Even after going through the pain and misery of losing close relatives in the attacks, Bhatti's faith and commitment to God is undeterred.

"My faith has never decreased, rather it has increased after that incident," he said.

Bhatti, who also suffered severe injuries in the blasts, talked about not only the physical scars, but also of the emotional distress he and other victims still feel deep down in their hearts from losing the near and dear ones.

"The survivors have uncertainty in their minds for the future," he said. "As the time goes by, it is even getting harder as the religious intolerance is increasing."

"So, as the fear of living here for the Christians is growing, that day will always be the reminder of losing the loved ones," he continued. "But one factor gives me and the bereaved families comfort and that is the love of God. I know God is with us and He will give us relief from all our pains."

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 (NIV)

The Truth About Hungary & The Refugee/Migrant Crisis

The last time I witnessed a massive wave of refugees like this was during the late 1990s in South Sudan.

This large number of migrants, the so-called "newcomers," are stressing this tiny East European nation. But I haven't found their handling poorly managed, or them being mistreated as reported by members of the international media.

Let's look at some facts that may be overlooked by politicians and some members of the press corps: 5,809 crossed the border yesterday here in Rozke. But are they refugees, or migrants?

Usually a refugee is someone who flees war, political upheaval, or mistreatment and crosses the border of their own country to the safety of a neighboring one. While some of these newcomers were refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, or Turkey, they have left those safe havens for economic opportunity and a better life in Western Europe.


The U.N. considers them refugees because they're seeking asylum in Europe. But Hungarians refer to them as migrants because in actuality, that's what they are--they've already found--and lived in a safe place. Many of them are illegal migrants because they have not entered Europe legally. One man told me he paid a smuggler $1,200 to help transport him across the sea from Turkey to Greece.

He told me he was fleeing Daesh (ISIS) and said he had lived and worked for the past two years as a refugee in Turkey. But ISIS did not exist two years ago. It was only in early 2014 that the group organized as the Islamic State. He may have fled war in Syria, but not ISIS.

Let's not be misled. His situation and that of many other migrants is not a matter of life and death.

These migrants are leaving their safe havens for opportunity, and the time is right as Germany and Sweden have put the word out they'll welcome any Syrian who makes it across their borders. But some Middle East migrants already in Sweden have warned the government to enact measures to check the identities and backgrounds of the newcomers to determine if they have fought as jihadists in Syria or Iraq.

Many of those coming across the border here are young Muslim men. They could easily be radicalized by ISIS and other militants once they arrive in Sweden and other places in Western Europe.

Also, is Hungary mistreating the migrants? The Austrian chancellor said the Hungarian response was reminiscent of the Nazis deportation of Jews during the Holocaust. Really Mr. Chancellor? I don't see a comparison.

The migrants I met indicated they did not want to remain in Hungary but desired to join relatives, or find jobs in Western Europe.

I witnessed the orderly loading of migrants onto buses arranged by the Hungarian government. The migrants were taken to processing centers, as required by E.U. law. I saw border police carefully and compassionately assisting the elderly and children as they boarded buses. No one was mistreated.

Yes, these migrants are deserving of our compassion and help. But let's not demonize a tiny country that is doing its best to protect its nation and Europe from chaos and unmanageable consequences.

JOKES

Joke Of The Day:- The Doctor & The Engineer – Who Do You Think Is More Intelligent?

• youngkola
• July 18, 2014
• Jokes and Riddle
• 0

An Engineer was not getting a job even after two years after his pass-out so he decided to opened a clinic & wrote outside the clinic:

Any treatment in $300 & if we cant treat, we will pay you back $1000

A CLEVER Doctor thought he will make the engineer fool and comes to do fraud & thinking to get $1000.

He says to the Engineer:

I cant feel any taste on my tongue…

Engineer asks the Nurse to put few drops of medicine from box no 22.

After that the MAN shouts: “What the F**k is this? …its URINE!!

The Engineer says congratulations your sense of taste is back now.

The CLEVER Doctor was angry as he lost $300.

After 2 weeks the same doctor comes back again & this time he thinks to get back his previous 300 too.

CLEVER Doctor : I’ve lost my memory.

Engineer: Nurse! pls put some drops of medicine from Box no 22 on his tongue.

DOCTOR : Wait Engineer but that medicine is for sense of taste.

Engineer: Congratulations your memory is back.

Moral: Don’t try to be over-smart with Engineers. Have a wonderful day….