Thread by @segalink

We appeal to the general public to temper the tantrums, while we appreciate the support for the advocacy against Rape. This is clearly not about the church or their members. It is about a crime against the state. It is about every young girl out there. #EndRapeCulture

Having said this, we implore that the #CorporateAffairsCommission look into the incorporated trustee registered as #COZA, they can’t keep running with a member of the BOT at helm of the church, having a litany of accusations from 2002 till date. It is disturbing. #EndRapeCulture

It is essential that the BOT for the sake of the parishioners and the incorporated trustee (church) grant Pastor Abiodun Fatoyinbo and indefinite administrative leave to attend to the allegations levied against him and several others to come. This is not a Coza problem.

From the litany of allegations popping up, an ugly picture of a serial rapist has been portrayed as numerously alleged, even with cases roping Wole Soetan and Folarin as accomplices with evidence & witnesses ready to testify. (They’ll be served also in the civil suit).

It can only get worse with the way the accused character has confirmed most of the allegations from the way it was handled by accusing his accusers and threatening litigation thereby opening himself to multi-layered litigations via Civil & Criminal suits cum class action.

No one is foolish enough to slot-shame a 17year old. There is nothing like a consented rape. Even if the law puts the age of consent at 16 or lower, coercing girls into sex is no consent but rape. He is however open to prove his innocence in a competent court across 30+ victims.

This is not on the Church in Nigeria however but the issues of life of a troubled man who has refused to seek help/intervention from himself. All the victims/survivors seek is closure, justice and redress not the decimation of Christianity in Nigeria.

It is at times like this that we look up to the church to course correct and provide leadership by setting the right example but will anyone speak or strategically respond? Is the Church going to be a part of the solution to the tares sowed by the enemies while we all sleep?

Will the Church practice what she preaches? Will it side with the parishioners or with the predator in a preacher’s cloak? Silence however is agreement in camaraderie. It is time for the Church to learn more about optics & the consequences of inaction at times like this.

May I remind us all of Mordecai’s words to Queen Esther as documented in Esther 4:13-14 briefly?

“Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews.

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Is the church going to raise a moral standard that people can get behind or align with the code of silence under the guise of the Church is together? It is also a period we ask sincerely who the Church is? What constitute this? Who is to be held accountable for discipline?

The Church is not CAN or PFN ladies and gentlemen but the people of purpose serving a God of purpose and feeding fat on the word of God without a recollection of the charge to go into the world and preach the gospel. This is not the time to defend evil but shine our Light.

It is time to show leadership just as we did when our political leadership failed us. The healing must begin with the society and the fall of troubled individuals must not lead to a conclusion or hasty generalization on the entire Church community.

The case being instituted is against an individual and his accomplices hiding under the church to perpetuate evil & prey on our youth as alleged. The law will take its toll and the matter will be pursued to a logical conclusion. It need not be an indictment on the body of Christ.

There are Godly people in Coza just as there are fantastic pastors in the body of Christ who have served God and the people for decades without a single scandal. A blanket blame will rubbish the excellent service of these ones and aspiring great heart rising to the occasion.

We just can’t imagine our society without the church. The role of the church can’t be overemphasized. Just as our individual roles of believers in the society as regards taking responsibility can’t be underestimated. The narrative is simple #EndRapeCulture #Period

The erring Pastor and his accomplices will be arrested in the course of the week and the suits will be filed in the course of the week. We will make everything public until the proceeding commences. The law will take its toll from there. This must never happen again. 😞

We however understand that emotions may be high. Many will act and react sentimentally and some erratically because they can’t see from any other perspective other than theirs. You may not know what others know. We need not hate anyone because we disagree on viewpoints.

Name calling is unnecessary and trying to discredit others just to push a myopic rhetoric in camaraderie is utterly unconscionable. The few cases I’ve personally heard made my heart heavy and I am not an emotional person. It doesn’t hurt to be humane. #EndRapeCulture