Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry Responds to Misleading Report by Punch Newspaper
The media department of Mercy Television, on behalf of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, has issued a formal response to an article published by Punch Newspaper and its online platform on September 8th, 2024. The article, titled "NAFDAC Investigating Pastor Jeremiah’s Miracle Water, Soap - DG," attributed statements to the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which have sparked concern within the ministry and among its followers.
Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, a law-abiding Christian organization, expressed shock at the publication, stating that it does not accurately represent the facts surrounding the ministry's interactions with NAFDAC. The ministry emphasized its commitment to operating within the confines of Nigerian law, particularly the NAFDAC Act, and reiterated its adherence to the constitutional rights of freedom of religion as enshrined in Sections 38 and 39 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution.
The press release clarified that the only pending issue involving the ministry and NAFDAC arises from a petition by one Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, also known as Verydarkblackman. The ministry disclosed that Mr. Otse had previously forged church receipts to bring a complaint against the ministry to NAFDAC’s Asaba office. The church responded promptly to an invitation from NAFDAC on August 27th, 2024, but noted that it was given less than 12 hours to appear. Despite the short notice, the ministry communicated its position to NAFDAC and provided the necessary documentation.
Further, the ministry pointed out that the receipts presented by Mr. Otse were different from the authentic receipts issued by the church, a fact that has been confirmed through an ongoing police investigation. The press release criticized Punch Newspaper for not reaching out to the ministry for its side of the story, resulting in what it described as “bad journalism” and a “vindictive mission” against the church.
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The ministry also refuted claims made in the Punch article suggesting that it uses NAFDAC’s name to deceive the public. Senior Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, the spiritual leader of the ministry, has never engaged in any deceptive practices involving NAFDAC, the statement affirmed. The ministry disclosed that on September 2nd, 2024, its representatives, including the Head of Administration, Elder Oguluoa Fufeyin, honored an invitation from NAFDAC’s Asaba headquarters. Contrary to Punch’s report, the church representatives fully cooperated with the investigation.
In closing, the ministry reiterated its commitment to Christianity and its right to religious expression, including the use of spiritual items, which are central to its faith practices. The ministry called on the public to disregard the Punch article, noting that NAFDAC's investigation is still ongoing. The ministry assured its members and the public that it would continue to communicate with NAFDAC and take legal action against any unfounded allegations.
Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry remains steadfast in its mission to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and to practice its faith without interference. The ministry will not be deterred by what it sees as efforts to undermine its religious freedoms.
By Sophia Lloyd
On behalf of Mercy Television