President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has elevated Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) after a protest from the House of Representatives.

Initially awarded the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on October 1, Abbas’ recognition was upgraded following concerns about national precedence.

The President’s Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the decision, stating it corrected a “historical error and oversight.”

The formal decoration of Abbas, the Senate President, and other officials will take place at a later date.

Suspected arsonists have reportedly attacked the Rivers State secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Port Harcourt, detonating explosives just hours before the scheduled Local Government elections.

The incident, which occurred early Saturday morning, is believed to have caused significant damage to the property, including the main gate, the security house, and parts of a nearby building.

Eyewitness reports and video footage circulating on social media suggest that dynamites were used in the attack.

The scene showed a chaotic aftermath, with the affected areas bearing signs of the explosion’s impact.

Although there were no immediate reports of casualties, the damage has raised concerns about the rising tension surrounding political activities in the state.

Chief Tony Okocha, the caretaker committee chairman of the APC in Rivers State, has accused supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of being responsible for the attack.

In a statement, Okocha expressed his dismay over the event, claiming that “pro-Fubara civilian soldiers” had launched the attack with the intent of causing further damage.

Okocha recounted how a second attempt to set the building ablaze was narrowly avoided, thanks to the swift response of security personnel stationed at the gate.

“At the wee hours of Saturday, explosives were detonated at our office.

Thankfully, the second attempt to set it on fire was foiled as our security quickly put out the fire,” he said.

Tensions have been mounting between political parties in Rivers State ahead of the Local Government elections, with many concerned about the safety and security of the voting process.

While Governor Fubara’s camp has yet to issue an official statement in response to the accusations, this incident has only further heightened the political climate in the state.

Security forces are currently investigating the attack, and many are calling for calm and peaceful conduct as the elections draw closer.

This act of violence has once again highlighted the need for improved security measures around sensitive political periods, as the safety of citizens and property becomes a growing concern.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has urged Christians to refrain from engaging in disputes with God, particularly on the subject of tithing.

During the October edition of the RCCG Holy Ghost Service, Pastor Adeboye addressed the ongoing debate surrounding tithe payments, calling for an end to the arguments.

In his message to the congregation, Pastor Adeboye passionately appealed to believers, stating, “I’m pleading with everyone around the world, let’s bring this argument about tithing to a close.”

He emphasized that Christians should respect the guidance of their pastors on the matter, whether or not they support the practice of tithing.

The respected clergyman noted that if a pastor instructs their congregation not to pay tithes and instead encourages offerings, Christians should follow that directive and not leave the church in protest.

“If your pastor prefers offerings and not tithes, don’t abandon the church. Give offerings as instructed,” he said.

However, Pastor Adeboye also acknowledged that there are those who feel a deep, personal conviction to tithe. He advised such individuals to seek out churches where tithes are accepted and used for the glory of God.

“If you believe in your heart that you should give God at least 10 percent of your income, find a church where the pastor accepts tithes and will use them for God’s work,” he added.

This way, he explained, believers can avoid conflicts both with their pastors and with God.

The advice from Pastor Adeboye underscores the importance of maintaining harmony within the church and honoring individual convictions without sparking unnecessary disputes.

He encouraged Christians to prioritize their relationship with God and ensure that their actions align with their faith, whether through offerings or tithes, depending on their pastor’s preference.

Ultimately, the message serves as a reminder that the focus should not be on the division of opinion but rather on worshipping and serving God in a way that brings peace and unity within the body of Christ.