The Akwa Ibom state government has declined permission for evangelist Yinka Yusuf to hold a planned crusade in the state, citing what it described as derogatory and inflammatory remarks against the people of Akwa Ibom.
The decision follows a video shared by Yusuf on X in which he alleged that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Akwa Ibom were working to frustrate his crusade. He claimed the move was linked to the two bodies inviting a Kenyan prophet to the state.
However, in a statement issued on Friday, Aniekan Umanah, commissioner for information, explained that the Akwa Ibom Property and Investment Company Limited (APICO) refused to grant access to the Ibom Hall Grounds for reasons unrelated to security.
Umanah said the state remains peaceful, stressing that the denial was prompted by Yusuf’s “vile, denigrating, and inflammatory comments” which he said insulted and stereotyped the people of Akwa Ibom, questioning their dignity and intelligence.
He further described the remarks as “inciting” and “morally objectionable”, arguing that such conduct runs contrary to Christian teachings rooted in love, humility, and mutual respect.
“Hate speech is not evangelism, and insults are not a substitute for doctrine,” the statement read, adding that no Akwa Ibomite should be expected to join a ministry built on contempt for their heritage,” the statement reads.
The commissioner accused the evangelist of making a “conscious attempt to provoke, insult, and sow division,” adding that the state would not welcome what he termed a “suspicious crusade” marked by hate speech, defamation, and disrespect.
Umanah also faulted Yusuf for what he described as a disregard for due process, noting that the cleric failed to consult relevant government agencies responsible for security, crowd control, and emergency management.
“… did not consult the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) or the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Akwa Ibom State; and made unverifiable claims of having over 5,000 participants allegedly coming from across the world. The Government hereby challenges Pastor Yusuf to publicly provide credible proof of these claims,” he said.
Although Yusuf has since relocated the event to another location, the state government demanded an unreserved apology from him to both the government and the people of Akwa Ibom.
Umanah added that the video in question has been forwarded to the state attorney-general for legal review, warning that further action could be taken if the evangelist fails to apologise.
(The CABLE)
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