The leadership of First Baptist Church (FBC), Garki, Abuja, has refuted allegations of financial misconduct and forgery against its former shepherd/Senior Pastor Israel Akanji, circulating on social media.
In a rebuttal contained signed by a trustee of the church, Dr. Emmanuel Chibuzor Ibe and church secretary, Deacon Adedamola Akanbi, the FBC Garki dismissed the claims as “misinformation, rumours, and fabricated stories.”
Rev. Dr. Israel Adelani Akanji had served the church for 22 years before moving up to lead the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC) currently.
“Our attention has been drawn to some misinformation, rumours and fabricated stories making the round on social media about the financial situation of First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja under the watch of our former senior pastor, Rev Dr Israel Adelani Akanj,” the statement read.
The statement said the misinformation would have been ignored, but for well-meaning members of the public who desire to know the true position of the situation, they wanted to set the records straight.
The church leaders condemned what they described as attempts to “embarrass and harass” the respected cleric.
“We know that the one who called him into ministry and who made him to lead our church for 22 years will vindicate him in Jesus’ name,” the statement said.
Addressing concerns about the church’s financial records, the statement denied any misappropriation of funds or property under Rev. Akanji’s watch.
“The account of our church is intact, regularly audited and has been under the management of qualified financial personnel,” it said.
The church further clarified that all transactions during Rev. Akanji’s tenure followed due process and church policies.
“Everything done under the watch of the former Senior Pastor was endorsed by the whole church in accordance with the Practices and Policies of the Nigerian Baptist Convention,” the statement emphasised.
Additionally, the leadership refuted claims of forgery of the church’s constitution, asserting that the constitution and by-laws, as filed with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), remained unaltered.
While rumours suggested that legal actions had been taken against the church and its leadership, the church denied filing any complaints with the police.
“Any legal action against the Church and her leadership is sponsored by evil forces determined to malign, harass, and embarrass the church and the former Senior Pastor,” the statement said.
Despite the controversy, the church reaffirmed its support for Rev. Akanji, describing him as a leader who helped First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja, to grow into “one of the leading churches in the Nigerian Baptist Convention.”
The church leadership also expressed gratitude to members and supporters who have shown concern over the situation.
“We know that First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja, is marching on, and the gate of hell shall not prevail,” the statement concluded.
