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Kaduna mediates in church leadership tussle, orders closure of mission schools

By Saxone Akhaine, Northern Bureau Chief
20 September 2015   |   11:10 pm
THE Kaduna State Government has warned those involved in the leadership crisis rocking the Assemblies of God Church in Saminaka, Lere Local Council of the state not to allow the matter lead to a breakdown of law and order. The state government during its security council meeting discussed the crisis in the church, saying that…
Governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasir El-Rufai

Governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasir El-Rufai

THE Kaduna State Government has warned those involved in the leadership crisis rocking the Assemblies of God Church in Saminaka, Lere Local Council of the state not to allow the matter lead to a breakdown of law and order.

The state government during its security council meeting discussed the crisis in the church, saying that the government “deliberated on this matter to prevent threat to the peace and stability of the state.”

According to a statement issued by the governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, through his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Samuel Aruwan, “the Council noted that the leadership crisis has led to disintegration of order in the church, and raised tension between the followers of the rival camps,” adding that, “the crisis has also extended to the students of the school and seminary owned by the church, who are now divided on factional lines.”

“The Council reviewed previous efforts made to resolve the crisis. It noted that these 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. The Council unanimously agreed that if left unchecked, the growing tension may degenerate into total breakdown of law and order in the said area, with the potential to spread to other parts of the state.”

El-Rufai stated that the “Security Council has taken steps to preserve the peace; just as it has directed the immediate closure of Theological Seminary of Northern Nigeria, (TSNN) Saminaka, Shalom Comprehensive College, Saminaka, Assemblies of God Church, Nmbare, Saminaka and Assemblies of God Church (Jerusalem) Saminaka, AGC Evangelist Hospital, Saminaka.”

He added: “As a result of these measures, those who may be affected will be admitted into government schools or hospitals, depending on their option. The Council also directed that the status quo with regard to farmlands, houses and other assets of the church be upheld pending resolution of the crisis, which is already before the Supreme Court.”

“Kaduna State Government wishes to reiterate that it will not tolerate the use of religion and ethnicity to cause crisis in the state. The government has also announced that it will prosecute anyone fomenting crisis in whatever form in the state.”

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