A Nigerian Resident Pastor of the Omega Fire Ministries International in
Lusaka, Pastor Augustine Oso Ebosele has been given 48 hours to leave
the country after his 4 year permit came to an end amid allegations of
‘divisive’ conduct.
Ebosele whose church is headquartered in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria had
been given an extension of 4 months to wind up his affairs by
immigration authorities after his permit expired.
The government through the Ministry of Home Affairs in consultation with
the Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs have refused to
extend the permit after the 4 month extension lapsed.
This is according to a statement issued today by Minister of Information
and Broadcasting Services who is also Chief government spokesperson
Kampamba Mulenga.
This is fresh from allegations against the government since dismissed as
‘baseless’ emanating from Apostle Suleman Johnson the Senior Pastor and
General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, who said
Zambia is one of the nations in the world that deports Nigerians through
‘Zambianisation’ to take over their successful ‘massive’ investments.
Suleman who appeared in a recent videoaccused the Zambian authorities of
targeting Nigerian owned businesses in Zambia for indigenous Zambians
to ‘take-over’.
He alleged that Nigerian churches that are growing including his own
with branches in Chingola, Ndola and Livingstone are being targeted to
remove pastors sent by him.
Suleman said anyone who fought his pastors was fighting him and that he
would not bow to threats. In a veiled threat to the authorities he said
“you fight me, you wait for the results. There will be problems.”
The controversial Apostle was recently embroiled in a controversy after
accusations by a Canadian based singer of Nigerian origin Stephanie
Otobo of having an affair with her, impregnating her and later
attempting to kill her during a year-long sexual frolic that saw the
Apostle flying her all over the world for sex.
The government says the conduct of Pastor Ebosele has divided the Omega
Fire Ministries into two parties. The Minister said the government
feared that with the Pastor’s continued stay in the country, the
acrimony in Omega Fire Ministries could result into the breakdown of law
and order.
She said Pastor Obesele was given 48 hours to leave the country, in
accordance with the Immigration and Deportation Act number 18 0f 2010.
Ms. Mulenga also said contrary to speculations, the Government has not
closed Omega Fire Ministries and is not against Nigerian Pastors.
She said Omega Fire Ministries Headquarters in Nigeria is free to send a
senior pastor to come and help reconcile the membership in Lusaka.
Ms. Mulenga has called on Omega Fire Ministries members to avoid
speculation and remain calm as matters are being dealt with the Church
membership.
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