Nigerian Christians respond to Okotie vs Oritsejafor

In view of the latest $9.3m scandal, some Christians are insisting that the CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor should resign as the scandal, according to Chris Okotie, the most visible voice amongst those calling for his resignation, has compromised his position as the leader of Nigerian Christians. There is the feeling that many Christians and church leaders are afraid to speak on this matter. What is your view on this? Should Ayo Oritsejafor resign? Has the scandal compromised his position as the leader of Nigerian Christians? Elifeonline spoke to some sections of Nigerian Christians. Their response below.

I will be glad if facts are presented that the CAN President was involved in signing the deals for the arms, then he should resign. Second when I put my car for transportation and something happens with the car, the driver and the one who hired my vehicle should be held responsible. It’s a shame that the church is washing its dirty linen outside. I am highly disappointed that Chris Okotie has call for that and the CAN office has asked, ” how many wives is Okotie having?” That gives room for doubt. Christ never answered back at those who insulted him. Thanks.

Philip Dafes,
Former CAN Chairman,
Plateau state.

I believe he should resign and apologize about his undue closeness to presidency which has cast Christians in bad light. He might not be involved in the arms deal, but his aircraft was used by those he leased it to, according to his defense, which amounts to breaking the law. If he had lived a simple and unostentatious lifestyle and maintains undue closeness to the Government, he would not have his name soiled and Christ name being dragged in the mud, in the public square

Rev. Dr. Bola Akin-John,
Church Growth Institute,
Lagos.

Pastor Ayo should not resign. He’s been trying his best as the CAN president over the years. I’m convinced after listening to his response on the matter. All we need do is to stand by him now that he’s going through this. With his explanation I believe him. We should be careful on how we pass judgement as Christians. A little mistake we will raise our axe of judgement and slaughter instead of praying for the person. I will suggest Pastor Ayo Address Christians and shed more light on the truth of the matter. I don’t support the call for his  resignation.

Bishop Bassey Inyang,
AMEN Ministry, Lagos.

On moral grounds,  the CAN president should honorably resign for his indictment in the use of his private jet for the scam. But on the other hand I expect formal charges to have been pressed against the people arrested for the scam. And if, in the process of their prosecution, the CAN President  is mentioned and he is found culpable in the charges, he should accordingly be made to face the music. But so far, no formal charges have been made against anybody!
Wole Olarinde,
Journalist, Lagos.

Unfortunately, I do not have the details of matter and do not want to dabble into what i know little about. Issues that border on the nation and politics should be handled with care. Papa Ayo has stated his own side of the story and I have no reason to doubt him. I rest my case. Thanks.
Bishop Sunny Ugbah,
Church of God Mission International,
Lagos.

There’s no need for resignation because he has no part in any of these accusations. He gave his private jet out to someone on business and that person gave it to a third party that was awarded the contract of purchasing weapons by the Federal Government  of Nigeria. The CAN president knows nothing about this! Now tell me, where is his fault warranting the cry that he should leave?
Princess Dee Jibir,
Cardiff.

My candid opinion is that Pastor Oritsejafor’s position as a pastor, a man of God and president of CAN has been compromised long before the latest $9.3m scandal. He has been hobnobbing with the government, especially the presidency and the president in particular more than it is healthy for a christian leader’s spiritual integrity, accountability and responsible stance. Damn too obvious and too close for comfort for Christendom. His lack-luster and loud style of leadership are not the issues, but his questionable association with the government in power. It started to be obvious when the Catholic Church honourably withdrew from CAN. He should resign to save what is left in the ravaged Christian organisation to allow a more capable unifier who would direct CAN affairs independent of Aso Rock patronage and influence, rescue the battered body.
Olaitan Okedeji,
Lagos.

What the CAN President did is disgraceful to body of Christ. To have been found around issues like this is not a happy one. For a young minister like myself, all I can say is it will be nice if he can drop his letter of resignation.
I am currently a pastor in South Africa. So many people bombard me with this same question. The feeling here is that a Christian leader found around issues like this should resign.  I advise that Nigerian Christians should always seek the face of God before voting or choosing anybody as the president of CAN. Thank you sir.
Gods General Omotunde David Ephrata,
Republic of South Africa.

Well… From my Church mind, I don’t think he should resign. Ask me why? Is it not laughable that Pastor Kris is the one calling for his resignation. The pot calling the kettle black!

Yinka Adeboye,
Ibadan.

Every accused person is considered innocent by the law until proven guilty.Leadership exposes men and women of God to challenges,which they must overcome.To suggest that each time this happens,a minister has to resign is unfair and negates the principles of justice.There is no EVIDENCE directly linking him to the cash or decision to purchase the arms.It is a normal practice for people who own aircrafts to lease or rent it out so as to minimize cost.Should he be charged for this?

Bishop Tony Marioghae,
Team Ministries,
Philippines.

There’s no scandal. There’s just a misunderstanding and a mighty hype. The Federal Government has cleared the air and those calling for Pst Ayo’s head are lined up with opposers of the Lord.
Evangelist Eric Katchy,
Lagos, Nigeria.

Even the church has been corrupted by the virus of immorality, greed, heresy. Can d church be trusted, Rev Ayo was found in this scandal, Rev Okotie who said God told him to go into politics Uncle B ‘e so fun mi kini iyato’ Divorce in d church,not among d common pple in d church but GO, though I’m not point finger because I’m a man also who will stand in d front of God’s seat to render my case,but dis pple r like d apostle of Christ now,though I still believe gate of hell will not prevail of the Church,but remember that Christ said if a kingdom is struggling within itself,it won’t stand,imagine if d church is fighting with each other how can it stand,plz sir I want u to do something sir, Please work on this church,maybe because  of this time you are born sir. thanks,
Tolu Adewara,
Lagos Nigeria.

 The issue is controversial. My view is that we should take Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor by his words, that he did not know anything about it.
The unbelievers are laughing at us that we are washing our dirty linen in the public. How many times have you seen Muslims raise  their voices against the Sultan of Sokoto, the spiritual head of their religion? Does that mean the Sultan is a sinless? Who among these people that are calling on Oritsejafor to resign is sinless? The Yoruba will say cutting of head is not the solution of headache. What is the probability that any other person that replaces Oritsejafor, if removed, will not sin? Let Christians unite to fight the enemy without. The enemies within are enough already.

Pastor Bayo Afolaranmi,
Ministerial Officer at Nigerian Baptist Convention,
Ibadan Nigeria.

 The thing is that, the allegations are still mere allegations and not yet found to be confirmed by any independent investigation,so there are still some element of doubt.
Tunde Adenekan,
USA.

Under normal circumstances he should step down at least and call for an enquiry into the whole affair. His bravado isn’t good for CAN,
Principal Solicitor,
NKEM OLISA & CO,
Onitsha.