The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) have been hit by allegations of compromise and partiality following the cancellation of a proposed one-million-man crusade in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The allegations were made by Reverend Yinka Yusuf, lead pastor of Household of Love Churches, Lagos, who claimed he was forced to cancel the seven-day “Uyo One Million Crusade” scheduled for February 9 to 15. Yusuf alleged that CAN and PFN pressured him to reschedule the programme and also influenced the Akwa Ibom State Government to withdraw approval for the use of Ibom Hall, despite his alleged payment for the venue.
In a Facebook post announcing the cancellation, Yusuf said millions of naira had already been spent on logistics, publicity and the transportation of equipment to Uyo. He also apologised to about 5,000 evangelists he claimed were invited from countries including the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia and Namibia.
According to him, the Christian bodies insisted his programme be shifted to accommodate another crusade featuring Kenyan cleric, Prophet David Owuor, even though both events were scheduled for different venues and only overlapped for three days. Yusuf questioned why security concerns were cited against his programme while other large crusades, including one by Pastor William Kumuyi, were proceeding in the state.
However, the Akwa Ibom State Government denied the allegations, accusing Yusuf of hate speech and threatening legal action. In a letter dated January 27, signed by the Chief Executive Officer of Akwa Ibom Property and Investments Company Limited, Patrick Udomfang, approval for the use of Ibom Hall was withdrawn on grounds of security concerns.
The controversy comes barely two months after Rev. Isaac Omolehin accused PFN of hypocrisy and hostility. While CAN’s national leadership declined comment, PFN said it would investigate the matter.
