Attack on Potter’s Porch Church Member:  KWARTMA Lies – Church Officials

 

The authorities of Potter’s Porch International Churches, Unity Road, Ilorin, Kwara state capital have refuted claims by the Management of Kwara State Road Traffic Management Authority (KWARTMA) that the church had allegedly apologized to the agency over the Sunday incident leading to the clapping of vehicles of some members of the church parked in front of the worship centre during service.

In a statement signed by the spokespersoon of the church, Moyinoluwa Julianah Owolabi and issued yesterday, the church said the statement credited to the KWARTMA, alleging its apology was an admission of guilt by the church over an incident it was wrongly accused of.

Choice Reporters Recall that the KWARTMA officers had clamped over five vehicles of the Church members citing a breach of the traffic rules by the state government.

The traffic body had also alleged assault of some of its members while trying to enforce the penalties of the said breach by the members of the church.

But in its statement, the church denied any allegation of assault of the KWARTMA members by its members claiming instead that the leader of the agency allegedly used its position over a minor development to inflict pains and injuries on their members of the Church.

Besides, the statement said it took the prompt intervention of the Special Adviser to the state government on Religious Matters, Rev. Timothy Oluwagbemiga, Akangbe to prevent what could have led to the escalation of the crisis.

According to the church, the attention of the leadership of The Potter’s Porch International Churches has been drawn to the recent press statement by the Kwara State Road Traffic Management Authority (KWARTMA), dated 12th May 2024, concerning the alleged violation of traffic regulations and subsequent altercation at the frontage of Potter’s Porch along Unity Road, Ilorin.

First and foremost, it is imperative to set the record straight regarding the nature of our Organisation.

“The Potter’s Porch International Churches, established almost two decades ago, has consistently upheld principles of peace, respect for constituted authority, and harmonious coexistence with all government parastatals and agencies, including KWARTMA. Our commitment to maintaining a cordial relationship is evidenced by the presence of two KWARTMA officers stationed within our church environment daily[on their working days].

“The decision to issue this rejoinder stems from the false portrayal of events in KWARTMA’s press statement. As a law-abiding organization, the church is compelled to set the record straight.We will like to put on record here that the incidence or this rejoinder has nothing to do with religion.

We uphold and are committed to the principle of peaceful coexistence but the need to clear the air as it affects our name, image and integrity on what transpired between KWARTMA and the Potter’s Porch International Churches.

“The assertion in paragraph 11 of KWARTMA statement that the leadership of The Potter’s Porch International Churches apologized for the alleged unfair and illegal manhandling of KWARTMA officials is entirely false and misleading.

Our leadership categorically denies issuing any apology in this regard, as there was no wrongdoing on our part to warrant such an apology.

“Furthermore, there was no instance of our members manhandling any KWARTMA officials. In fact, it was the intervention of the Special Adviser to the government on religious matters, Rev Timothy Oluwagbemiga Akangbe, that de-escalated the situation and prevented a potential tensions resulting from the disruptive actions of KWARTMA, orchestrated by its head.

The Potter’s Porch International Churches prioritizes peace and cooperation with government agencies, and it was in this spirit that our leadership, alongside the intervention of the Special Adviser, sought to resolve the matter amicably.

“At no point did we admit fault or express remorse for actions we did not commit. Therefore, we vehemently refute any suggestion that an apology was extended by our leadership. Such a claim only serves to distort the truth of the situation and misrepresent the actions of The Potter’s Porch International Churches.

We stand firm in our commitment to upholding the principles of peace, respect for the law, and cooperation with relevant authorities.

“To rectify the inaccuracies presented in KWARTMA’s statement, it’s crucial to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the events leading to the unfortunate altercation:On Sunday, 12th May 2024, Engr. Micheal Gboyega Bamidele arrived at a motor park adjoining the church to drop off a passenger.”

The statement added, “however, due to the unavailability of parking space, he attempted to coerce worshipers to move their vehicles to accommodate him.The security personnel of the church rightfully resisted this attempt, explaining that the vehicles belonged to individuals attending a church programme and couldn’t be moved at the behest of an outsider. Engr. Bamidele, displeased with the resistance, made threats against the church and left, vowing to retaliate.

“Shortly after, KWARTMA officials [both uniformed and those in mufti] arrived and began clamping the parked vehicles. When an elder of the church questioned this action, an officer explicitly stated that it was on the instructions of Engr. Bamidele.A heated argument ensued, during which one of the officers assaulted the elder, and even tore his clothing [Numerous eyewitnesses can attest to this].

“Contrary to KWARTMA’s claim of their officers being manhandled, there was no such occurrence. Rather, it was an officer who assaulted a church elder.

Furthermore, Engr. Bamidele was not present during the altercation, having delegated the task to his officers.

The church vehemently denies any allegations of its members assaulting KWARTMA officers or issuing apologies for an incident they did not initiate.

“We expected him to take measures to prevent a recurrence of such actions, which have the potential to disrupt the peace of the community, instead, KWARTMA opted to disseminate an untruthful press statement that lacks substance and attempts to deflect responsibility.

It’s imperative to address the misuse of authority by Engr. Bamidele, who should refrain from inciting religious tensions through his office.

“Instances of religious centres causing temporary inconveniences during services are common and are not met with such disproportionate reactions.

The actions of KWARTMA’s enforcement officers, as witnessed by our congregation and supported by palpable evidence, were disproportionate and unjustifiable.We call upon KWARTMA to introspect, show accountability, and implement measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

“We wish to emphasize that our faith espouses peaceful coexistence, and we remain committed to upholding these principles. It is on this backdrop that we limit our rejoinder to the above at this time.

The Potter’s Porch International Churches reaffirm her commitment to peace, respect for the law, and cooperation with relevant authorities for the betterment of our community and it is our hope that this clarification brings clarity to the events in question.”

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