Blessing Iruoma, Port Harcourt
The Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) has disclaimed alleged exclamation by the General Overseer of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, announcing that he (Ibiyeomie) has uprooted Olumba shrine, acquired and demolished the BCS worship center at the GRA axis of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Briefing newsmen, in Port Harcourt, on the development which the religious body described as ‘slanderous and ungodly’ statement by the Salvation Ministries Pastor, PCS Edet Archibong, spokesman for BCS, explained that the said property was given to them by a former Governor of Rivers State,the late Chief Melfold Okilo as a ‘Thank you’ gift after their leader’s (Olumba Olumba Obu) prayer for him manifested in 1986.
Narrating the incident that led to the gifted land, Archibong disclosed that the land was never in contention until the death of Chief Okilo in 2008, when one of his sons insisted on taking back the land and his demand was peacefully granted in 2009.
Archibong disclosed that worshippers at the centre have relocated to Rumukalabor. He added that presently, has over 300 worship Centre across the state.
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In a statement made available to newsmen at the briefing held in their Port Harcourt headquarters along Aggrey Road, Archibong said: “I cannot conclude this address without touching on the unfortunate slanderous verbal attacks on the BCS and its leadership by Pastor David Ibiyeomie of the Salvation Ministries Home of Success about a month ago where he narrated how he uprooted Olumba Olumba Shrine from G.R.A. Port Harcourt.
“It is obvious that Pastor Ibiyeomie was referring to the Brotherhood Bethel (Worship centre) which was named Presidential Bethel and located at the G.R.A. in Port Harcourt, near his church.
“The worship centre was a donation from Late Chief Melford Okilo, a former Executive Governor of Rivers State from 1979 – 1983 in appreciation for what God did for him.
“When the Nigerian Military struck in a coup in December 1983, many of the politicians including the governors feared for their safety. In his own case, Late Governor Okilo, of blessed memory, was introduced to BCS and advised to go and see Leader O. O. Obu at Calabar, for him to speak but the word to secure the former governor’s safety and freedom. He saw the leader who pronounced him discharged and acquitted.
“In 1986, as pronounced by Leader O. O. Obu, late Chief Okilo was discharged and acquitted of his accusations. He then joyfully proceeded to erect the worship Centre for BCS at GRA Port Harcourt which was completed in 1989, named Presidential Bethel and opened for worship by members.
“In 2005, one of Chief Melford Okilo’s sons came around with the intention of taking the property. It was explained to him that the property was a gift from his father to BCS and he should discard such intentions. BCS could not contest it so there was no resistance. The Chief’s son had his way and the worship centre was demolished in March 2009 after the Chief passed on in July 2008.
“It was most shocking and unbelievable to hear a man of God claim that the worship centre was demolished because it was a shrine. That he called upon God and God caused bulldozers to demolish it. Most ungodly and most slanderous. The pastor knows that his claim has no basis whatsoever and nothing to do with God.
“Pastor Ibiyeomie said that he looked at the gate of Presidential Bethel and said: “look, if Olumba does not go into extinction, then this church (Ibiyeomie church) is not His (God’s) own”. Olumba has not gone into extinction. Another property was acquired at Rumukalabo and the worshippers are worshipping there joyfully.
“There are over 310 BCS branches in Rivers State. Since Olumba has not gone into extinction, then has that church (Salvation Ministries) been proven to be owned by God?
“As men of God we should be very mindful of whatever we say because by our words we shall be justified and by our words we shall be condemned (Matthew 12: 36-37).
Archibong further warned that BCS will no longer tolerate campaign of calumny against its religious.
“We have watched quietly for too long and tolerated all the accusations and falsehood levelled against BCS and her leadership, and now we wish to remind all those who perpetrate this evil that BCS is a corporate entity with all legal rights which we will not shy away from exercising if this campaign of calumny continues.
“The sure way to spend eternity with God is to practice love for one another and desist from all sorts of vices”.
