Clergyman Bishop Ibro Zion has criticised social media activist VeryDarkMan over his recent remarks about Apostle Arome Osayi, accusing him of disrespecting the preacher and mocking his appearance.
In a lengthy statement, Zion said VDM had previously demonstrated concern for Nigerians but argued that his comments about Arome had gone too far.
He wrote:
“VDM, you have taken this your charade too far!! First you showed lack of empathy and lack of respect to my brother Apostle Arome Osayi. You insulted a great Apostle of our time whom God is using in many capacity to shape lives and instruct nations.”
Zion also defended Arome’s knowledge of industrialisation and technology, saying the preacher had previously risen to an executive position in Nigeria’s petrochemical industry before leaving the sector for ministry.
He further criticised VDM over comments about Arome’s facial appearance, saying the preacher had previously spoken publicly about challenges he experienced from childhood that affected his appearance.
“To go on a video and mock my brother about his facial look or about his postulation of Nigeria being a gift from God for end time revival is totally out of place and disrespectful,” he stated.
The clergyman also defended Arome’s position that Nigeria has a role to play in an end-time Christian revival, arguing that the preacher was speaking from a religious perspective rather than claiming to speak for every Nigerian.
Zion cited Christian ministers including Pastor Jerry Eze, Apostle Joshua Selman, Apostle Arome Osayi, Pastor William Kumuyi, Apostle Johnson Suleman and Dr Paul Enenche while discussing the global reach of Nigerian ministries.
He said:
“So YES! NIGERIA is chosen by God for end time revival of the globe.”
Zion also argued that churches and Christian organisations have contributed to areas including education, healthcare, charity and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
He referenced the activities of ministers such as Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Jerry Eze and the founder of OPM while making the case that churches have contributed significantly to Nigerian society.
“Fact check very well and discover that pastors are the ones even impacting this nation much more than the Federal Government.”
The clergyman recalled previously praising VDM for his advocacy on behalf of Nigerians, including his presentation at a recent Nigerian Bar Association gathering where he addressed insecurity.
However, he said the activist’s comments about Arome were unacceptable.
“What you succeeded to do with this content is discredit yourself as the revered VDM that we thought is making positive impact. You just YEYE yourself VDM.”
Zion concluded by urging VDM to show greater empathy when addressing sensitive issues and offered a prayer concerning the activist’s comments about Arome’s appearance.
