Emmanuel Thomas, Lagos
September 8, 2015 – Scores of physically challenged persons, from Kogi, who are direct beneficiaries of alms from General Overseer, Synagogue Church of All Nations, Pastor Temitope Joshua today stormed Alausa, office of the Lagos State Governor, protesting over planned prosecution of Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN).
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode had directed the Coroner, led by Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe to prosecute SCOAN and the engineers for the six-storey building that collapsed September 12, 2014, killing at least 116 people, most of whom were citizens of South Africa.
The physically challenged persons under the aegis of Disabled People Organisation, (DPO), Kogi State stormed the seat of power in the state to express their dissatisfaction over the planned action.
Armed with placards such as “Free T.B Joshua for us. Do not prosecute the man of God,” among others, they appealed to the Lagos State Governor to stop attempt to prosecute the church.
“We use this medium to plead with the Lagos State government and all that may be affected one way or the other to forget all that has happened on the collapsed building owned by the SCOAN which claimed the life of Nigerians and religious tourist.
“We know and believe that GOD will replenish the lost souls and comfort the family of those who died in the collapsed building in many folds. To those that lost their family members, friend and associate, please accept our deepest commiseration and we pray that this will never happen in our country again,” Mr. Ibrahim Hassan, who led the group said.
Hassan affirmed that they were not paid to embark on the protest. But they are doing it because of their belief in the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Temitope Joshua, whom they believe has provided solution to the challenges confronting many in Nigeria and religious tourist.
“This body is created in order to maintain mutual peace among all and sundry because God created us this way and given the purpose of life without complain,” he said.
This is the second time groups are protesting against planned prosecution of the church.
