On Sunday, the Living Faith Church,
popularly known as Winners Chapel, finally debunked the stories which
made the rounds two Sundays ago when President Goodluck Jonathan paid a
visit to the church’s headquarters at Ota.
According to a statement by the resident
pastor of the church, Pastor Ubong Ntia, there was no time during the
service that its founder, Bishop David Oyedepo, vowed to unleash the
gate of hell on anybody who opposed the re-election of President
Goodluck Jonathan.
The church also said that the reports “were far from the truth.”
The church said those spreading the rumour should have obtained the video clip of the service and verified the claim.
“There was nowhere, nor was there any
time the following prayer or words were uttered by the Church or the
Bishop: ‘I will open the gates of hell to anyone who opposes you’, or ‘I
will open the gates of hell to anyone who opposes the peace of this
nation’,” the statement read.
The church said the rumours were
intended to cause mischief and to dent the image of Oyedepo and as well
as create confusion in the country.
It also said Oyedepo did not call the President to the altar for any special deliverance.
“President Jonathan along with his
entourage, like the rest of the congregation, was upstanding, and
prayers were made for him and all those in authority, and the nation,”
the statement added.
Recounting the visit, the church said,
“The President and his entourage arrived at Canaan Land (Faith
Tabernacle) for the third service at about 9. 30am. He and his team were
ushered in and asked to occupy the front seats alongside the resident
pastor and other senior pastors. Thereafter, in honour of the President,
Bishop Oyedepo invited Jonathan to ‘bring a word of greeting’ to the
congregation.
“President Jonathan spent approximately
six minutes in his address, clearly stating that he would be careful not
to sound political so that his visit and intentions would not be
construed as electioneering campaign.
“In his brief speech, he adulated the
ministry and person of bishop for the mighty works of faith, prayer for
Nigeria and educational milestones the Living Faith Church has
engendered for national development. He then expressed his belief that
the elections of 2015 would go peacefully, while also asking for the
people of God to pray more.”
The church said contrary to insinuations
that the visit was meant to canvass votes from the church, the
President visited “in his capacity as President of the Federal Republic
of Nigeria.
“Our church of over 33 years has been a
sanctuary for all people with no prejudice to colour, ethnicity and
political persuasion. We stand for righteousness and cherish our
integrity.”
Winners Chapel narrates its own version of what happened the day Pres. Jonathan visited
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Oleh
healthandwealth
