Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna has ordered the closing of two branches of the Assemblies of God Church (AGC) in the state over lingering leadership crisis in the state.
The churches were ordered closed as a result of leadership tussle in AGC, Saminaka District, Lere Local Government Area, to prevent the disturbance of peace and stability in the state.
The churches and their tributaries affected by the order are: Assemblies of God Church (Jerusalem); Assemblies of God Church, Nmbare; Theological Seminary of Northern Nigeria (TSNN); Shalom Comprehensive College; and, Assemblies of God Church Evangelist Hospital.
In a statement issued on Wednesday at the end of a State Security Council meeting, the Spokesperson for the Governor, Samuel Aruwan said “The leadership crisis has led to disintegration of order in the church and raised tensions between the followers of the rival camps.”
The governor noted that efforts to resolve the crisis “were aborted by those involved in the leadership tussle, principally to preserve their personal interests with little concern for the common good, and the peace and security of Kaduna State.”
He assured all affected in the schools and hospital as a result of the measures that they will be admitted into government schools or hospitals, if they choose to exercise the option.
Governor el-Rufai directed the status quo with regard to farmlands, houses and other assets of the church, be upheld pending resolution of the leadership crisis, which is a matter before the Supreme Court.
Similarly el-Rufai said the state government will prosecute anyone, no matter his or her standing, that is implicated in fomenting crisis in whatever form in the state.
Leave a Reply