Some Nigerians have reportedly kicked against the decision of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the North Central Chapter for declaring their support for Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) amid accusation of sexual assault.
Pastor Fatoyinbo had been in the murky waters of scandalous rape tales when Busola Dakolo, a celebrity photographer and wife of Timi Dakolo, Nigerian musician, accused him of raping her when she was 16 going on 17.
The embattled COZA senior pastor who stepped down from the pulpit amid the sex assault controversy had since denied the allegation.
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But the Abuja and North-Central Christian bodies showed solidarity support for Fatoyinbo, a decision that did not go down well with a lot Nigerians, as they queried why CAN would support a man who has not defended himself from the rape allegation levelled against him
President of CAN Reverend Dr Samson Ayokunle had in a statement condemned any case of rape and said the Christian apex body would investigate the allegation
However, while addressing the congregation at COZA the FCT and North Central CAN said they would stand by Pastor Fatoyinbo at this critical time and also continue praying for him.
Addressing the congregation at COZA, the FCT CAN Chairman, Reverend Jonah Samson said “It’s a pleasure being here and I assure you that we are with you and we will continue to be with you. We are in support of the church. We are in support of your pastor. We stand by him and this church will continue to march forward. I say and I declare, the gates of hell shall not prevail in any church in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.”
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Also, the North Central CAN Chairman, Reverend Dr Israel Akanji said “I could have been living in Nasarawa State, Benue, Kwara, Kogi, Niger or Plateau. I could have been chairman living in any of those places, but by God’s mercy, I am presently living in Abuja.
“How can I and then the FCT (CAN) chairman hear that one church that God has a plan and purpose for is going through this Jerusalem-Jericho road and then we will walk and walk away? We will not do such a thing. We are here to just let you know, as he said, we are with you in prayer.
“The Lord will bring you out even stronger. Our pastor here, by the grace of God, will continue to be the voice of God to proclaim (to) the whole nations of the world the mysteries of Jesus Christ. So, we pray that the Lord will stand by you and we want you to know that you are not alone. You have many brothers and sisters that are praying for you.”
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