Group Condemns Kefiano Over Attack On Cocin Pastor In The Middle Of Church Service, Says His Action Shows Disrespect To The Church

The attention of the Plateau Progressive Alliance for Peace and Good Governance (PPAPGG) has been drawn to a video currently circulating on social media, showing Chief Kefas Ropshik, popularly known as Kefiano, interrupting a worship programme at COCIN Church Bompe, in Mangu and taking issue with the pastor for acknowledging the efforts of the Plateau State Government in addressing the security challenges confronting the state.

Ordinarily, the Alliance would have chosen not to respond to what could simply be regarded as another expression of political bitterness and disagreement and However, given the seriousness of interrupting a worship service to advance a political argument, particularly when the subject in question concerns insecurity and the protection of lives and property, PPAPGG considers it necessary to respond. The manner in which such issues are presented to a vulnerable community can have consequences beyond politics, and therefore demands responsible public engagement.

The conduct of Chief Ropshik is deeply troubling and deserves unequivocal condemnation. By all indications, Chief Ropshik was not invited but choosed to attend the programme, yet he chooses to attend with the mischievous intention to interrupt the church proceedings, hence showing disrespect to the body of Christ and the entire congregation.

To the utter shock of the congregation, Kefiano seized the platform and challenged the pastor for acknowledging that the Plateau State Government is doing its best in the difficult fight against insecurity. The pastor had urged the congregation to support the government’s efforts and play their part in ensuring peace and security.

The Bible instructs Christians to pray for our leaders as the heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord. Kefiano, unfortunately, decided the opposite and, in an act of shocking disrespect to a holy place of worship, proceeded to become combative in the church. Kefiano’s action is not only a disrespect to the COCIN Church, but to the entire body of Christ

Kefiano, knowing full well that he is allegedly vying for the office of governor himself, and therefore could be a beneficiary of any misfortune in the state, decided to exploit the people’s pain by converting the pulpit into his political soap box.

Whatever one’s political views may be, there is a basic level of respect that should be accorded to a church gathering and to those entrusted with its spiritual leadership. Turning such a gathering into a confrontation over partisan politics is not only inappropriate; it diminishes the sanctity of the occasion.

Even more disturbing is the attempt to use the very serious issue of insecurity in Mangu as a vehicle for political denunciation, without offering any meaningful alternative or practical ideas. Nobody should pretend that the security situation in Plateau State is perfect, nor should the government be beyond scrutiny. But there is a fundamental difference between constructive criticism and using the fears, frustrations and legitimate concerns of communities affected by violence to score cheap political points. If Chief Ropshik believes the government is failing, the responsible thing would be to articulate what he believes should be done differently and contribute ideas that can help save lives.

Simply telling people not to support the government, while offering no alternative strategy for confronting terrorism and insecurity, does little to solve the problem. In fact, it only proves that he is bereft of ideas and impoverished of deep intellectual thought.

Mangu and Plateau State need unity, cooperation and responsible leadership at this moment. The fight against terrorism and violent crime cannot be won by government alone. It requires the cooperation of traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, security agencies, political actors and ordinary citizens. This is precisely why the pastor’s call for people to acknowledge the government’s efforts and support the fight against insecurity should not have been treated as a political provocation. It was, in fact, a call for collective responsibility. Attempts to undermine public confidence in government institutions or discourage citizens from supporting legitimate security efforts can have consequences far beyond the immediate political argument. When communities are fighting an enemy that thrives on division, every responsible voice should be asking how we can strengthen cooperation, not deepen distrust.

Chief Kefiano is entitled to his political opinions, and he is free to criticise the government within the bounds of responsible public discourse. What is unacceptable is the intrusion of partisan confrontation into a religious gathering and the politicisation of the pain and insecurity confronting the people of Mangu. The people deserve better than political grandstanding disguised as concern for their security. They deserve leaders who can acknowledge shortcomings, propose workable solutions and help mobilise communities towards peace. At a time when Mangu needs every hand committed to restoring security and rebuilding confidence, the responsible thing is not to tear down every effort because of political differences, but to contribute constructively to the solution. The sanctity of the church, the dignity of its leadership and, above all, the security of the people should be bigger than anyone’s political ambition.

E-signed:

Evangelist Gabriel Gyang Pwol 

For Plateau Progressive Alliance For Peace and Good Governance (PPAPGG)