…defends ex senior Pastor, Rev. Akanji
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja, has debunked the allegations of financial misappropriation against its former senior Pastor, Rev Israel Adelani Akanji.
The church in a statement jointly signed by Dr. Emmanuel Chibuzor Ibe, Trustee
Deacon; and Adedamola Akanbi, Church Secretary; exonerated Rev. Akanji, of any financial wrongdoing throughout the period he served in the church.
The church leaders also confirmed that Rev. Akanji never tempered with the constitution and bylaw of the church as duly filed and certified by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) nor was forged by anyone or group of people for whatever reason.
The church asked its members and other well-wishers to disregard misinformation, rumours and fabricated stories making the round in the social media about the financial situation of First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja under the watch of Rev. Akanji.
The church, in the statement, noted that there was never a time in the history of the Church that any money or property was misappropriated or converted by anyone or group of people. “The account of our Church is intact, regularly audited and has been under the management of qualified financial personnel.
“Under the watch of our former Senior Pastor, Rev Akanji, every transaction made by the Church adhered strictly to the due process and the policies of the Church. Under the watch of Rev. Akanji, the Church grew up from nowhere to become unarguably one of the leading Churches in the Nigerian Baptist Convention.”
The church leaders maintained that everything done under the watch of Rev. Akanji was endorsed by the whole church in accordance with the practices and policies of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, stressing that Rev. Akanji is still enjoying the respect, honour and the support of the Church and the entire members to date because of his unprecedented contributions to the Church.
The church said it has not lodged any complaints with the Nigeria Police nor taken any legal action against the Church and her leadership. It insisted that the false social media reports were sponsored by evil forces determined to malign, harass and embarrass the church and the former Senior Pastor.
“We would have ignored the misinformation, but in the interest of some well-meaning members of the public who desire to know the true position of the situation.
“We appreciate the love, concern and understanding of those who are sincerely disturbed and worried about the unfortunate narrative being spread about the Church.
“First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja is marching on and the gate of hell shall not prevail. In the fullness of time the church and the gospel of Christ shall prevail in Jesus.”
