Rhapsody of Realities August 20th 2025, NOTHING CAN STOP US

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him (Acts 28:30-31). There are those who have set themselves against the Church and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These are people with the antichrist spirit. They strategize to silence God’s truth and hinder those who boldly proclaim it. But we can’t be quiet. Necessity is laid upon us to preach the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:16). The Gospel is too precious, and the joy too overwhelming, to keep to ourselves. It makes no difference the rage of the enemy; no amount of obnoxious laws, threats, systems or evil structures can deter us or suppress the truth. They lack the power to stop the advancement of God’s Kingdom. It brings to mind the words of the psalmist: “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision” (Psalm 2:1-4). Isaiah 54:17 says, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper….” The Lord Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, “…I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The Church is marching on, and there’s no force on earth or from hell that can prevail against it. As long as we keep the fight on, on our knees, we’re unstoppable. That’s our strategy, our strength and our advantage. When opposition arises, we don’t worry or give in to fear. Through prayer, we receive divine wisdom, insight, and solutions. We’re strengthened with might by God’s Spirit in our inner being. In these last days, preach the Gospel without holding back. Remember, this year, we’re completing the full preaching of the Gospel to all nations. We’re doing it with confidence, in the demonstration of the Spirit and power, nothing, and no man forbidding us. PRAYERDear Father, thank you for the privilege, opportunities, grace and power to preach the Gospel undeterred, with boldness and faith, in the demonstration of the Spirit and power. Your Word prevails in the nations of the earth and righteousness rains upon all their inhabitants. Your children are full of joy as they preach the Gospel around the world today, for the salvation of many, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. FURTHER STUDY‭‭Isaiah 54:17 AMPCBut no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord. ‭‭Acts 26:14 KJVAnd when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? [it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks. ‭‭Acts 2:44-47 KJVAnd all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men], as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. DAILY SCRIPTURE READING1-Year Bible Reading Plan1 Corinthians 5 & Psalms 117-118 2-Year Bible Reading PlanLuke 17:31-37 & 1 Samuel 5-6 DAILY AFFIRMATIONS: I am a king and my words are potent: full of power and authority; therefore I live a life of victory, success, divine health, abundance, excellence, and glory. I am not a victim but a victor. God’s Word is producing what it talks about in my life. I am strengthened with divine enablement in my inner man by the Holy Ghost. I function today with the Spirit of might, dominion, and excellence. The Word of God has mastery over my spirit, soul, and body, and I enjoy divine health, success, and the good life. I belong in God’s superior class of divine beings; therefore, I look beyond the natural realm of existence to my heavenly rights, blessings, and provisions in Christ Jesus! I do not worry about my health, finances, or anything else because the Lord has perfected all that concerns me. My body cannot be ravaged by sickness, disease, or infirmity because it is God’s sanctuary. I refuse to be sick. I glorify God in my body, and by the Spirit, it functions perfectly all the time because it is the Lord’s. The Spirit of life is working in me. There is no sickness or death in any area of my life or body. I’m daily vitalized by the Holy Spirit who resides in me. Life and immortality have been brought to light in my spirit through the living Word. I enjoy good health, peace, prosperity, and all-round success as I walk in the full blessings that Jesus Christ wrought for me, which I received when I obtained salvation. God’s Word is established in my life and it is evident for the world to see. I am seated with Christ in heavenly places, far above all principality and power, far above the devil and his minions, and far above sickness and disease. I live the glorious life of God who is above all and cannot be brought down by anything. I vehemently refuse anything that’s inconsistent with God’s desire

EPL: Ian Wright Urges Arsenal to Secure William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes for Life

Former Arsenal legend Ian Wright has strongly advised the club to ensure that two of their most valuable defenders, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, remain at the Emirates Stadium for the entirety of their careers. The Arsenal icon made this passionate appeal following the Gunners’ narrow but crucial 1-0 Premier League victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. In that tense encounter, a well-taken first-half strike from Riccardo Calafiori proved decisive, securing all three points for Mikel Arteta’s side in front of United’s frustrated home supporters. Ian Wright’s Praise for Arsenal’s Defensive Pair Speaking on the Arsecast podcast, Wright highlighted that the solid defensive partnership between Saliba and Gabriel was the real foundation of Arsenal’s victory. According to him, their composure, strength, and reading of the game echo the defensive resilience Arsenal was once famous for. “These two [William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes] get into my team because they have everything, everything we had back then,” Wright said passionately. He went further to state that Arsenal’s traditional reputation for tough, disciplined defending—often summed up by the famous chant ‘1-0 to the Arsenal’—has now returned because of the duo’s dominance at the back. Why Wright Wants Arsenal to Keep Them Forever Wright was clear about the value these defenders bring: “That is why you can go to Old Trafford, play like we did, and win – because of what those guys are doing at the back. And for me, I would pay them anything for them to stay for the rest of their careers here because they’re two of the best defenders we’ve ever had at our club.” The Arsenal legend believes that keeping Saliba and Gabriel tied down for the long term is essential if the Gunners are to consistently challenge for the Premier League title and make progress in Europe. Both players have already proven themselves indispensable to Mikel Arteta’s tactical system, and Wright’s comments emphasize that Arsenal’s future defensive stability depends on their commitment to the club.T can make mistakes. Check important info.

2Face’s African Queen Crowned Billboard’s Greatest Afrobeats Song of All-Time

American entertainment giant Billboard has unveiled its highly anticipated ranking of the Top 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All-Time, a list that highlights the global rise and influence of Afrobeats music. At the very top of the chart sits none other than Nigerian music legend 2Face Idibia (2Baba) with his timeless anthem African Queen, which Billboard staff described as the definitive Afrobeats record of all time. The song, originally released in 2004, has not only stood the test of time but continues to shape the sound and identity of African music on the global stage. Wizkid Dominates with Double Top 10 Entries Another major highlight of the Billboard list is Wizkid’s dominance, as he became the only artist with two entries in the top 10. His career-defining hit Ojuelegba secured the number 2 spot, while his international smash Essence featuring Tems clinched the 5th position. These tracks underscore Wizkid’s role as one of Afrobeats’ most powerful global exports. Other Top 10 Rankings The chart also recognized several other iconic songs that shaped Afrobeats history: Together, these hits represent Afrobeats’ evolution from African airwaves to worldwide recognition. Ghanaian Stars Break Into the Top 20 Although Nigerian artists dominated most of the list, Ghanaian music also made its mark. Fuse ODG’s Azonto (feat. Itz Tiffany) ranked at number 18, while Sarkodie’s Adonai (feat. Castro) followed closely at number 19. Their inclusion reflects Ghana’s undeniable role in shaping Afrobeats culture and spreading it across international borders. Legendary Nigerian Classics in the Top 20 The list also honored evergreen Nigerian classics: These records remain deeply influential, resonating with both old and new generations of music lovers. The Billboard Top 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All-Time not only celebrates Nigerian and African music excellence but also highlights the genre’s unstoppable rise as one of the world’s most impactful sounds.

Gary Neville to Marcus Rashford: “Forget United, Focus on Barcelona”

Manchester United icon Gary Neville has advised Marcus Rashford to concentrate fully on his loan spell at Barcelona, instead of dwelling on his frustrations with Manchester United. The England international forward, who recently moved to Barcelona on a season-long loan, had sparked debate after comments made on The Rest is Football podcast. Rashford criticized Manchester United’s management culture, claiming the club has developed a habit of sacking coaches too quickly, unlike Liverpool and Manchester City, who prioritize managerial stability and long-term vision. Rashford pointed out that constant managerial changes have disrupted United’s progress, suggesting that the board should adopt the consistency seen under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. When asked about Rashford’s remarks during a segment on Sky Sports, Gary Neville insisted the striker had already been given ample time to influence Manchester United’s direction. According to Neville, instead of criticizing his parent club, Rashford should now channel his energy into proving himself at Barcelona. “Let’s ignore that, because I don’t want to go too deep into Marcus Rashford’s comments tonight,” Neville said.“He was at Manchester United for 10 years and had enough chances to make a real difference. I believe Ruben Amorim will bring stability to the club this season. Rashford should now dedicate his focus on Barcelona and making his loan spell a success.” Since making his senior debut in 2016, Rashford has played under five different managers at Old Trafford: Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Erik ten Hag, and Ruben Amorim. His career has been shaped by the instability at United, which he believes hindered both his development and the club’s long-term success. As Rashford begins this new chapter in La Liga, football pundits and fans alike will be watching closely to see if a fresh environment in Spain helps him rediscover his best form.

Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho has turned down an opportunity to leave Old Trafford this summer, steadfastly pressuring for a transfer to Chelsea.

Despite rumors of discord with manager Ruben Amorim after last season, the Argentina international remains firm in his preference. He has reportedly declined offers and turned his back on a potential transfer, making it clear that Stamford Bridge is his preferred destination. Although Garnacho has reached personal terms with Chelsea, the clubs are yet to agree a valuation. Manchester United aims to secure approximately £50 million from the sale. In contrast, Chelsea values the winger at closer to £30 million, leaving a significant £20 million gap to bridge. Other clubs, such as Bayern Munich, explored the possibility of signing Garnacho late in the window. Nevertheless, he informed them that his focus lies firmly on joining Chelsea Chelsea’s ability to proceed hinges on generating transfer funds. They must offload players such as Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson before broaching United’s valuation. Furthermore, their financial constraints, including UEFA’s requirements for a positive transfer balance, restrict their flexibility

UEFA Champions League Play-Off: Full Results From Tuesday’s Matches and Fixtures for Wednesday

The 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League play-off round has officially kicked off, and the opening first-leg fixtures delivered plenty of excitement on Tuesday night. LMSINT MEDIA provides you with a detailed breakdown of yesterday’s results and a preview of the matches scheduled for today, as teams across Europe battle for a spot in the prestigious group stage. Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League Play-Off Results Three teams — Club Brugge, Pafos FC, and Qarabağ FK — claimed crucial away wins to strengthen their chances of qualification. Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League Fixtures The action continues today with more high-stakes play-off matches: These fixtures promise thrilling encounters, as some of Europe’s most historic clubs aim to secure their place in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League. For fans, this stage of the competition often determines whether their clubs will compete among Europe’s elite or drop into the Europa League.

EPL: Mohamed Salah Overlooks Liverpool, Predicts Arsenal to Win Premier League Title This Season

Liverpool’s star forward, Mohamed Salah, has made headlines after refusing to back his own club to defend the Premier League title this season. Instead, Salah has tipped Arsenal as the strongest contenders to finally lift the league trophy, ending their long wait for domestic glory. The Gunners, under Mikel Arteta, have consistently pushed for the title, finishing as runners-up in the last three campaigns. Last season, Arsenal trailed Liverpool by 10 points, with the Reds winning the league in Arne Slot’s debut year as manager. Despite that, Salah believes this season could mark a turning point for Arsenal. Speaking to AFTV during the PFA Awards on Tuesday night, Salah praised Arsenal’s squad depth and cohesion, saying: “I think you have a great team this season. You have a really good chance. I think you are favourites now because you have players that have been together for five years.” If Salah’s prediction comes true, Arsenal will finally end a 20-year Premier League title drought, last lifting the trophy in the 2003/2004 ‘Invincibles’ season’. This comment from Salah has sparked debates among football fans, as it’s rare for a key player to overlook his own side in favour of a direct rival. Still, Salah insists Arsenal’s consistency, squad unity, and tactical growth make them genuine favourites this season.

Salah Makes History as First Premier League Player to Win PFA Player of the Year Three Times

Liverpool’s star forward, Mohamed Salah, has etched his name into football history by becoming the first Premier League player to ever win the PFA Player of the Year award three times. This extraordinary achievement cements Salah’s legacy as one of the greatest players to ever grace the English top flight. The Egyptian international now surpasses football legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, and Gareth Bale, who each claimed the award twice in their careers. With this milestone, Salah stands alone at the pinnacle of Premier League recognition. Earlier this year, Salah had already picked up the prestigious Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year award, further underlining his dominance and consistency on the pitch. During the last campaign, Salah delivered a remarkable season, scoring 29 goals and providing 19 assists as Liverpool stormed to domestic glory. His ability to combine clinical finishing with unselfish creativity continues to make him one of the most feared forwards in world football. In the race for the PFA title, Salah overcame strong competition from some of the league’s brightest stars, including: Reflecting on his journey, Salah expressed deep pride in what he has achieved: “I look at myself now, a guy coming from Egypt and making it to the top level, making history today, it’s something that makes me so proud,” Salah said after receiving the award. For a player who started his European journey with humble beginnings, Salah’s story has become an inspiration to millions worldwide, particularly young African footballers aspiring to reach the highest levels of the game.

EPL 2025: Roy Keane Predicts Arsenal to Win Premier League, Names Top 5 Clubs This Season

Former Manchester United legend, Roy Keane, has given his latest prediction for the English Premier League title race, revealing the team he believes will finally lift the trophy this season. Keane, speaking during an appearance on Sky Sports, tipped Arsenal under manager Mikel Arteta to win the Premier League 2025 season, ending their two-decade wait for the crown. The former United captain further predicted that last season’s champions, Liverpool, will finish in second place behind the Gunners. According to Keane, Chelsea will once again fail to break into the top four, a position they have struggled to maintain in recent years. Arsenal’s Long Road to the Top In the past three seasons, Arsenal have come close but failed to clinch the title. Arteta’s side finished runners-up twice behind Manchester City, and last season they fell just short as Liverpool overtook them in the final stretch of the campaign. Keane insists that the time has come for Arsenal to finally claim the Premier League trophy, which would be their first league title since the famous “Invincibles” season in 2004. Keane’s Full Top-Five Predictions Breaking down his list of the strongest contenders for this season, Keane placed Arsenal at the top, with Liverpool in second place. Defending champions Manchester City were backed to finish in third position, while Newcastle United are expected to claim fourth place. Chelsea, according to Keane, will have to settle for fifth place. Early Season Performances So far, Arsenal have made a strong start, securing a hard-fought victory over Manchester United last Sunday. Liverpool began their title defence with an impressive win against Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday, August 15. Chelsea, however, could only manage a disappointing 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace, while Manchester City looked sharp as they demolished their opponents with a commanding 4-0 win. Keane’s prediction has sparked debates among football fans, with many questioning whether Arsenal truly have what it takes to finally cross the finish line this season.

BBNaija Season 10: Heated Verbal Clash Between Imisi and Rooboy Shakes the House

The Big Brother Naija Season 10 house witnessed a tense and dramatic moment as housemates Imisi and Rooboy engaged in a heated verbal confrontation that quickly spread across social media platforms. Clips circulating online show Rooboy initiating a verbal showdown with Imisi, using provocative words and exaggerated body gestures to incite a reaction. His confrontational behavior drew the attention of fellow housemates and sparked conversations among fans outside the house. Rooboy Blocks Imisi’s Path During the clash, Rooboy went as far as repeatedly blocking Imisi’s path, daring her to engage physically. Despite his aggressive stance, Imisi maintained her composure and opted for sharp verbal responses rather than physical confrontation. The exchange quickly turned into a war of words, with Rooboy throwing insults and Imisi clapping back with equally piercing remarks that kept the tension high. The Garden Swing Incident The situation escalated further when Imisi attempted to sit on a garden swing. Rooboy, still in her way, prevented her from sitting. At that point, Imisi gently pushed him aside to create space. Seizing the opportunity to dramatize the moment, Rooboy exaggerated the incident, claiming he had been forcefully pushed. He beat his chest dramatically while calling on other housemates to witness the act. “Shey una don see o! She push me o! Everybody, shey una dey see? Na she push me o!” Rooboy exclaimed in an attempt to sway the housemates. Reaction of Other Housemates The rest of the housemates observed the entire scene with a mixture of surprise and amusement. While some seemed entertained by Rooboy’s dramatic outburst, others watched closely to see how Imisi would continue handling the pressure. This fiery encounter between the two housemates has since become a trending highlight of BBNaija Season 10, fueling debates online about who handled the situation better and what it means for their stay in the house.

Iyanya Announces Long-Awaited Album and U.S. Comeback Tour

Nigerian Afropop sensation Iyanya is gearing up for a landmark return, unveiling plans for his fifth studio album and an extensive United States tour. Scheduled for release on September 12, 2025, the album marks a pivotal moment in his career and heralds a bold re-entry into the international music scene Following the album launch, Iyanya will embark on the “IYANYA: The Forester’s Son Tour”, spanning October through November 2025. The tour will traverse key U.S. cities, including Brooklyn, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, Denver, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, and several venues in North Carolina Through his Instagram announcement, the “Kukere” star shared his excitement succinctly: “Album arrives Sept 12, hit the road Oct & Nov, United States, here we come.” This marks Iyanya’s first American tour since 2019, underscoring its significance as a major moment of reconnection with his international fanbase Insiders describe the tour as his boldest comeback yet, signalling renewed momentum following industry hiatuses. His latest single, “Blue Waters,” continues to impress and revitalize anticipation ahead of the full album drop

Hungry Nigerians Reject Proposed Salary Increase for Tinubu, Shettima, Akpabio, and Other Politicians

The Federal Government of Nigeria is once again facing public outrage following a proposal to review the salaries of political office holders upward. The suggestion, which came from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), has sparked nationwide debates about fairness, governance, and misplaced priorities in a country where millions still live below the poverty line. Mohammed Shehu, the Chairman of RMAFC, disclosed at a press briefing in Abuja that the monthly earnings of top government officials such as President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and ministers have not been increased since 2008. According to Shehu, President Tinubu currently earns ₦1.5 million per month, while federal ministers receive less than ₦1 million monthly, a figure he described as “a joke” compared to the size and responsibilities of governing over 200 million Nigerians. “You are paying the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ₦1.5 million a month, with a population of over 200 million people. Everybody believes it is a joke,” Shehu stated. He further highlighted the huge disparity between political office holders and heads of federal agencies, noting that some agency chiefs earn up to twenty times more than ministers or even the Attorney-General of the Federation. Public outrage over timing and priorities Despite Shehu’s defense, the move has generated widespread backlash among Nigerians, especially given the harsh economic realities. Citizens are demanding why politicians deserve higher salaries when millions of workers are still battling for a living wage amid inflation, unemployment, and rising poverty. Analysts argue that this development has once again re-opened discussions on the true cost of governance, leadership accountability, and eroding public trust in Nigeria’s democracy. While the minimum wage in Nigeria is currently pegged at ₦70,000 per month, implementation has been inconsistent across states. Many local government workers, teachers, and healthcare staff have yet to see the benefit of the wage increase. Recall that in 2022, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that over 133 million Nigerians—63% of the population—live in multidimensional poverty. The report showed that deprivation is severe in critical areas such as food security, housing, sanitation, and healthcare, with rural poverty standing at 72% compared to 42% in urban areas. During the same year, academic and non-academic staff unions went on an eight-month strike, demanding better welfare and increased funding for universities. Yet, investigations reveal that little has changed in education financing or the conditions of lecturers and staff since then. Experts React: “Nigeria Exists to Care for Politicians, Not the People” Professor Chidiebere Nwachukwu, a senior lecturer at the University of Nigeria, criticized the proposal, describing it as misplaced and insensitive. “It’s like Nigeria exists to care for greedy politicians while the masses are ignored. Those who do the bulk of the work are paid peanuts,” he said. Nwachukwu argued that while civil servants, teachers, and lecturers are underpaid, politicians continue to enjoy excessive allowances in addition to their salaries. He cautioned that neglecting the needs of workers while prioritizing politicians could spark civil unrest, warning that “the revenge of the masses” may not be far off. Nwachukwu further lamented the decline of public trust, stating that Nigerians no longer believe government promises: “For over a decade, no government has kept its word. Citizens are tired of being asked to wait while politicians enrich themselves.” Economists: “Lawmakers Already Among the World’s Highest Paid” Dr. Samson Simon, an economist with ARKK Economics and Data Limited, also dismissed the proposal, stressing that political office holders are already among the best-paid in the country. He pointed out that lawmakers earn well above global averages: “A federal senator earns about ₦29 million monthly. Converted, that’s roughly $20,000 per month or $240,000 annually. Few lawmakers in even the richest nations earn that much,” Simon explained. He added that Nigeria’s misplaced priorities attract people into politics primarily for wealth rather than genuine service. According to Simon, professions such as teaching, nursing, policing, and the military should receive priority salary adjustments since they are underpaid yet vital to national development and security. Legal Experts: “It’s Pure Deception” The President of the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN), Olu Omotayo, described the salary review plan as “a deception.” Omotayo noted that political leaders already live entirely on government expense, with allowances covering everything from travel to accommodation. “The real issue is not their salaries but the huge allowances and expenditures. Until government plugs these loopholes, salary increments are just another deception,” Omotayo said. Conclusion The debate over the proposed pay rise has become a litmus test of public trust in governance. While politicians argue their earnings are outdated, citizens insist the focus should be on improving workers’ welfare and cutting government waste. With inflation biting harder daily, Nigerians remain skeptical of any government decision that prioritizes politicians’ comfort over the suffering majority.

DSS Screening of SAN Designates Sparks Outrage as Sowore Declares ‘Nigeria is Down’

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has strongly criticized the Department of State Services (DSS) over reports alleging that the security agency has begun screening newly appointed Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs). Sowore’s condemnation came in a statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, where he described the move as another sign of the collapse of Nigeria’s justice system and a broader weakening of democratic institutions in the country. The development follows concerns earlier raised by a respected legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN), who, on Monday, publicly expressed alarm at the reported DSS involvement in the SAN elevation process. Akinboro Raises Alarm Over DSS Role According to Akinboro, subjecting lawyers seeking elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria to security clearance undermines the independence of the legal profession. He argued that such a practice was not only unconstitutional but also a deliberate attempt to interfere in judicial processes and compromise the integrity of Nigeria’s legal community. “This type of interference is illegal, a direct intrusion into the affairs of the judiciary, and amounts to truncating the independence of our legal profession,” Akinboro reportedly stated, urging stakeholders to resist what he described as a dangerous precedent. Sowore: “Nigeria Is Down” Reacting sharply to the development, Sowore lamented the state of affairs in Nigeria, stressing that many citizens and institutions have surrendered to systemic weaknesses and oppression. “Nigerians, at nearly every level, have capitulated, weighed down by the sheer force of their individual and collective weaknesses,” he wrote. He further added: “The collapse of courage and conviction is everywhere you look. Imagine the @OfficialDSSNG now screening Senior Advocates of Nigeria. The so-called guardians of justice are reduced to seeking clearance from the very instruments of oppression. C’est fini. Nigeria is down!” Sowore’s remarks reflect growing frustration among activists and civil society groups who argue that Nigeria’s democratic institutions are under threat due to excessive state interference and authoritarian tendencies. DSS Silent on Allegations As of the time of filing this report, the Department of State Services had neither confirmed nor denied the allegation that it is screening SAN designates. The agency has remained tight-lipped, fueling further speculation and criticism from the legal community. Background: LPPC’s SAN Elevation Process It will be recalled that in July 2025, the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) released a list of 57 Nigerian lawyers shortlisted for elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. The title, which represents the highest recognition of excellence and distinction in legal practice, is awarded to lawyers who have demonstrated outstanding advocacy, character, and professional contributions to the legal field. The fresh controversy over DSS involvement raises critical questions about the sanctity of this process and the broader issue of judicial independence in Nigeria.