The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has sworn-in five judges to the bench of the Edo State High Court, urging them to do right to all cases brought before them.

Addressing the judges at the swearing-in held in Government House, Benin City, the governor said when complaints or petitions are received, it is important to take a step back and re-examine the petitions critically to make informed decisions.

“It is with delight that today I am swearing-in five additional judges to the bench of the Edo State High Court. When I came into office in 2016, one of the commitments we made was to strengthen the judiciary. This is because of its role in the democratic process. As a government, we are going to ensure that we support the judiciary.

“Let me start with the latest reforms which is, for me, assenting to the law providing for the autonomy of the judiciary. I believe that we are one of the few states in Nigeria today that have signed the bill of the autonomy of the judiciary into law.

READ ALSO: Conservative Christians Knock Popular Nigerian Pastor Over Comment On Porn Addiction Remedy

“It is going through a learning curve but because we believe in the independence of the judiciary; we have demonstrated our commitment to wholistic reforms by enacting that law. We would work with the Chief Judge and members of the judiciary to continue fine-tuning the way and manner in which the laws are applied.

“You are all witness to the infrastructural upgrade which we have begun in the judiciary. From providing court rooms especially in Benin City to more accommodation for Judges. In the development plan we are currently designing, we have enshrined and have ensured that within the five years of implementing the new Edo State Master Plan, that the infrastructural development for the judiciary would be completed.

“In line with the other reforms which we are undertaking in the State, we are encouraging the judicial arm of government to take advantage of the digital infrastructure that the State is currently investing in as we have built over 2,000 km fiber optic connection across the State. We now have digital infrastructure in every area where we have a High Court. Please take advantage of the investment made.

READ ALSO: How Obaseki, Umahi’s Intervention Is Addressing Deplorable State Of Ekpoma – Abuja Federal Highway

“I thank the Chief Judge for the support he has continued to extend to the executive. I know that the swearing-in of judges that we are experiencing today have raised quite a few issues. As part of our intention to reform the entire arm of government in Edo State, when we get complaints or petitions that some of our choices will not go well to strengthen the judiciary, I believe it is important to take a step back and re-examine the petitions critically. This is what has happened in this case.

“We are currently waiting on the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to let us know the outcome of its decision on the other judges we have received petitions for and we will comply with the decision of NJC.

“We congratulate the judges being sworn in today. They are lucky as they are likely to spend more time in the service because of the extension in the retirement age. We wish you well and hope you will always do right to all cases brought before you.

Speaking on behalf of the new Judges, Osayende Ikwuemosi Awawu, said, “We are going to do our jobs and perform our duties to the best of our ability.”

Popular Nigerian pastor and founder of Abel Damina Ministries International, Dr Abel Damina, has been knocked for his comment on the remedy to porn addiction.

Damina gave his submission while speaking on Comfort FM’s Righteous Invasion of Truth (RIOT) programme in Uyo in late February.

The clip of the sermon made the rounds on Thursday where the pastor was asked how a person addicted to pornography could stop and get rid of it totally.

He advised such persons not to struggle to stop but should keep watching while listening to the word of God at the same time.

“Don’t struggle to stop watching the porn. Don’t struggle at all. Just keep watching the porn. As you are watching the porn, spend more time hearing the ‘word’. If you watch porn for one hour, spend three to four hours hearing the word of God.

“Take not. Go get all my teachings on Christ. Just keep learning and learning. After a while, you will find out that your appetite for porn is dying and the appetite for the word of God is growing. Before you know it, when you see porn, you will be irritated.

“Word of God will kill that appetite completely and give you a healthy appetite. That’s what to do. Don’t try to stop. In fact, keep watching, but spend more time studying God’s word, and you will find out that before you know it, your desire for porn would be gone,” the pastor stated.

READ ALSO: Actor Arrested For Abduction, Defilement Of 14-year-old Girl

However, this submission has been greeted by dissension, especially from conservative Christians on social media who believed that the pastor was encouraging people, mostly addicts, to sin.

A prominent pastor, Gideon Odoma of the Fortress Ministry countered Damina’s submission while labelling pornography as a perversion.

“Christains have trivialise sexcapades. The things God call iniquities, we must never call it flexing,” he said.

The pastor who had previously slammed Damina and Apostle Suleman for supporting the Old Testament over the New Testament remarked that both of them have wrong teaching and their objective is to derail the Christians.

“The Damina and Suleman terms are wrong. It as if their only objective in life is to derail believers so they have a lot of time on their hands and they find different creative ways to say the same useless things — Your sin does not matter — they find all sorts of ways to discredit as it were,” he said.

Another prominent pastor, Chris Oyakhilome, while quoting Habakkuk chapter 2 verse 15, submitted that pornography is a sin that should be avoided completely.

He emphasised that God recognised nakedness as a feeling of shame because pornography is synonymous with prostitution as it draws from Greek’s linguistic corpus —pony—meaning prostitute.

“The indication is that once nakedness is being made public, it is a shame when you’re not a child. As far as God is concerned, that is a shame.

READ ALSO: Obaseki Reassures Residents Of Over 22 Communities In Ovia South West Of Adequate Security

“It started from Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden apple. Their eyes were open and they found that they were naked and then covered themselves with leaves and hid from God. Christians desist from it. Those who believe in Jesus should not do it,” he stressed.

Aside from Oyakhilome and Odoma, some other Christians are lending their voice to fault Damina’s sermon.

One Rachael, who tweeted with the handle, @ab_seyi wrote, “I am fighting tears. Lord help this man, help his followers, help him not to die like this. This is sad.”

Sandra Okafor with the handle, @okaforsandra20 said, “Even the Bible said ‘flee from every appearance of evil’. You can’t want to stop doing something and still be doing it, expecting a miracle to happen because you’re reading the word of God. As one of the cessation steps for smokers, they’re advised to throw away and move away from their triggers; be it the cigarette boxes, lighters, smoking partners, and smoking environment because you gradually become what you’re constantly exposed to. So this advice is biblically and also morally wrong.

“You’re supposed to throw away all triggers that make you want to watch porn and as you do your part, you ask the Holy Spirit to empower you and deliver you from its grip. It’s normal to stumble but thank God for the mercies of God that bring us back to Him.”

Nonetheless, while endorsing the contentious claim, Pastor Oge, the lead pastor of Cicle Church said he struggled with poor addiction in the early stage of his life and despite seeing a therapist to stop the act, it continued.

“Dr Damina’s Porn Remedy; I struggled with porn addiction in the early stages of my life and I can tell you categorically, the struggle doesn’t help.

“Saying ‘I won’t watch Porn again’, will not stop you! That’s why it’s called an addiction! I saw a therapist and the therapist said to replace the desire to watch porn with something else… Help my brain associate the porn triggers with something else,” he wrote on his X handle.

READ ALSO: Woman Kills One Year-old Son In Delta

Oge further justified Damina’s sermon saying it was the biblical way of dealing with the addiction but that the pastor didn’t convey it well.

“What Dr Damina said is the Bible’s way to deal with addictions. He just didn’t say it well.”

A Facebook user with name, Restoration Arena also said, “I think the point he is trying to make is, a believer should not struggle with sin. Instead the believer should replace struggle with living the Word and walk in the Spirit. While that is done, sin appetite will die.”

“There is nothing wrong with what he said. All these people of little understanding, why judging him?” another user, Evangelist Precious said.

Chastising them for aligning with the proposition, one Wisdom Chiezugo with the handle, @Wchiezugo stated, “You guys are defending him because it’s what you want to hear. That’s not how God works. Read the scriptures for yourselves.

“Maybe when you bring one scripture that supports you to keep sinning and be reading the word together then I’ll engage you. In the meantime, Keep watching the porn.”

Damina is the CEO of Kingdom Life Network (KLN) – a Christian satellite TV channel.

He is also the Senior Pastor of Power City International headquartered in Uyo, Nigeria with extension campuses across the world.

He hosts the TV programme, Righteous Invasion of Truth (RIOT) on KLN as well as on other television and radio stations.

As Barr. Kenneth Imansuangbon celebrates his 58th birthday, his life stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, resonating with service, dedication, and compassion.

A multifaceted figure, Imansuangbon’s roles as a legal luminary, school proprietor, and philanthropist exemplify his unwavering commitment to fostering goodwill, equity, and progress for all.

Imansuangbon’s dedication to quality education serves as a cornerstone of his illustrious career. Through the Pace Setters Group of Schools, he has cultivated an environment where education transcends mere academics, empowering students with the skills and values to shape a brighter future.

His leadership at the institution underscores the fusion of education and culture, setting a standard for academic excellence and societal development.

READ ALSO: Edo Guber: Trouble Looms As Imansuangbon Seeks Disqualification Of Akpata As LP Candidate

Beyond educational boundaries, Imansuangbon’s philanthropic endeavors reflect his steadfast commitment to uplifting communities, particularly the vulnerable. Known affectionately as the “Rice Man,” his annual rice distribution to the less privileged symbolizes practical assistance and support for those in need.

His philanthropy extends beyond food donations, encompassing contributions to institutions such as the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, showcasing a holistic approach to community upliftment.

Imansuangbon’s advocacy for justice and progress echoes throughout his initiatives, particularly in his support for youth empowerment. Through initiatives like the Essay Competition, he champions the cause of Edo youths, paving the way for their success and future leadership roles within the state and beyond.

READ ALSO: Edo Guber: Imansuangbon Picks LP Nomination Forms, Gives Obaseki Quit Notice

As a gubernatorial aspirant for Edo State under the Labour Party, Imansuangbon’s vision for state development is grounded in his extensive experience, philanthropic ethos, and unwavering commitment to the common good. He envisions a future where Edo State maximizes its resources and strategic advantages to foster wealth creation and eradicate poverty, guided by innovative and focused leadership.

On this significant occasion, it is imperative to recognize and salute Barr. Kenneth Imansuangbon for his tireless advocacy in championing education, promoting social justice, and advocating for a society where equity and progress prevail.

His journey serves as a source of inspiration, motivating us to emulate his compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to serving humanity.

Happy 58th birthday, Barr. Kenneth Imansuangbon! Your legacy of compassion, leadership, and service will continue to inspire and resonate with generations to come, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all Nigerians.

Patrick Ese, writes from Benin