dismissed reports that its founder, Bishop David Oyedepo, said a
prayer of unleashing the gate of hell on anybody who opposed the
re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan.
President Jonathan had visited the headquarters of the church at Ota,
Ogun State, last Sunday, but shortly after, there were reports that
the flamboyant cleric allegedly openly declared support for the
president's re-election.
However, in its first official reaction to the rumors since it first
started, the Resident Pastor of the church, Pastor Ubong Ntia, said
the reports "were far from the truth".
The church said those spreading the rumour should have obtained the
video clips of the service first and verify 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 to create confusion in the
country.
It also said the Bishop did not call President Jonathan to the altar
for any special cleansing or 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 read.
Recalling Jonathan's visit to the church, the statement said, "The
President and his entourage arrived 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 President 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".
--infonaija
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