A group of Christians, braving torrential rain, gathered at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, office in Asaba, Delta State, to express their discontent with the agency’s alleged media trial of Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, founder of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry.
The protesters, carrying placards with messages such as “Spiritual products do not need NAFDAC approval,” “NAFDAC should leave Prophet Fufeyin alone,” and “Media Trial of Prophet Fufeyin Must Stop,” denounced NAFDAC’s actions as “confrontational and intimidating.”
A contingent of armed policemen was deployed to maintain order and prevent any potential disruptions.
Most Reverend Bishop Callixtus Oke, Rector of Union Theological Institute and Seminary, spoke to reporters, condemning NAFDAC’s actions and expressing support for Prophet Fufeyin.
Oke was accompanied by seven bishops including Most Reverend Professor Samuel Baba, Metropolitan Archbishop, Charismatic Anglican Church of Nigeria.
He said Prophet Fufeyin was being stigmatised while on his pastoral assignment, stressing that the agency which is a creation of the law is acting beyond its boundaries.
He called for a halt to the media trial of Prophet Fufeyin by the agency, adding that Nafdac has exceeded its bounds by sealing the water manufacturing facility of the church.
His words: “We are speaking forth of the harassment targeted at Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin. He cannot be stigmatized while on his pastoral assignment.Nafdac which is a creation of the law is acting beyond its boundaries. I am thinking that Prophet Fufeyin is being targeted.What we are seeing is that Nafdac is singling out Fufeyin for victimisation”.
He said NAFDAC lacks the power to regulate spiritual items. He stressed that Jesus Christ permitted the use of water, salt, oil, and candles.
According to him, members of a religious faith may purchase sacramentals, which he said were authorized by Jesus Christ.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE