The Redeemed Christian Church of God embarks on the “Let’s Go A-Fishing” programme twice in a year. Usually, a four-day affair, the programme coincides with the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ during Christmas (December) and His crucifixion and resurrection during Easter (March/April). During “Go A-Fishing”, existing RCCG churches come together in various combinations to plant new churches; evangelise to win more souls into God’s Kingdom; undertake community work; and give a helping hand in various ways and forms to the needy.
Teams of senior pastors visit Let’s Go A-Fishing venues to assess work done, encourage the brethren as well as deliver the General Overseer’s goodwill message. The RCCG General Overseer is Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye who, during Let’s Go A-Fishing programme, makes whistle stops at tens of Let’s Go A-Fishing venues. It is safe to say that Pastor Adeboye visits more venues than any other RCCG pastor. Apart from whatever facilities that may be at his disposal, he flogs himself mercilessly to make this happen. This December’s itinerary recently saw Pastor Adeboye criss-crossing towns and villages in Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti states, among others. At Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, the governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, and the traditional ruler, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, were among the dignitaries that received Pastor Adeboye.
As is characteristic of him, Adeboye prayed for Fayose, who had knelt down before him for prayer. Fayose is not the first Nigerian VIP to have so coveted Adeboye’s prayers. Presidents and other governors had done so, including former President Goodluck Jonathan and the current President, Muhammadu Buhari.
Outside our shores, it has not been different; the immediate past Prime Minister of Britain, David Cameron, attended an RCCG programme in London and came forward to be prayed for by Pastor Adeboye.
However, the prayers that Adeboye said for Fayose has drawn the ire of the chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State, Mr. Jide Awe. Awe not only blew his top but also threw caution to the winds, making highfalutin statements, levelling unsubstantiated allegations, and calling the revered Pastor names that must alarm every right-thinking person.
Whereas I am an Area Pastor in the RCCG, it need be stated that the views expressed here are entirely mine and by no means represent those of Adeboye and or of the authorities of the RCCG. And I enjoy the guarantees and protection of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other extant laws.
First, a recap of Adeboye’s prayers for Fayose as was reported in the media: “We thank God for your courage, for your boldness. We thank God for your being willing to take risks so that your people can be protected. You have been a governor who knows when to say ‘enough is enough’ in defence of his people. And I am sure you know what I am talking about and I am sure the world knows. I don’t want to say more than that but be assured that we are praying for you and you will succeed in Jesus name. We wish all other governors who stand for their people, who defend their people and who know when to say ‘enough is enough’, success. We thank God for their life”. I wasn’t there but I suspect that the entire congregation must have chorused “Amen”! For this prayer said not only for Fayose but also for all governors who live up to their oath of office to stand up in defence of their people, Awe accused Adeboye of supporting what he called Fayose’s persistent insults on Buhari. Awe also tried to drive a wedge between the RCCG members and the pastor we all lovingly call “Daddy G. O.” He alleged that Fayose must have bribed Adeboye since, according to him, the Ekiti governor was capable of bribing angels. So, Awe had seen angels receive bribes before – in what currency, he only is in the best position to say! He then attempted to set the family of the late founder of the RCCG, Rev. Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi, against
Source: punch
