Clergyman Bishop Ibro Zion has criticised social media activist Verydarkman (VDM) over his recent remarks about Apostle Arome Osayi, accusing the activist of disrespecting the preacher and mocking his appearance.
In a lengthy statement, Zion acknowledged VDM’s previous advocacy on issues affecting Nigerians but argued that his comments about Arome had crossed the line.
“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 defends Arome’s knowledge of industrialisation
Zion said Arome had previously risen to an executive position in Nigeria’s petrochemical industry before leaving the sector to pursue ministry.
He argued that the preacher’s professional background meant he understood issues surrounding industrialisation and technology better than VDM had suggested.
Zion also took issue with comments concerning Arome’s facial appearance. He said the preacher had previously spoken publicly about challenges he experienced during childhood which affected his appearance.
According to Zion, Arome had travelled extensively and had access to international healthcare, making it inappropriate, in his view, for VDM to suggest that hospitals in China could simply resolve the issue.
“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.”
Zion defends Arome’s end-time revival claim
The clergyman also defended Arome’s position that Nigeria has a role to play in an end-time Christian revival.
Zion argued that Arome was speaking from a religious perspective rather than claiming to represent the views of every Nigerian.
He referenced several Nigerian Christian ministers whose ministries have extended beyond the country, including Pastor Jerry Eze, Apostle Joshua Selman, Apostle Arome Osayi, Pastor William Kumuyi, Apostle Johnson Suleman and Dr Paul Enenche.
Zion said:
“So YES! NIGERIA is chosen by God for end time revival of the globe.”
Clergyman highlights churches’ contributions
Zion further argued that Christian organisations and churches have contributed to areas including education, healthcare, charity and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
He referenced the activities of several pastors, including Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Jerry Eze and the founder of OPM, while making the case that churches have played a significant role in 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’s remarks represent his view of the contribution of religious organisations and should be understood within the context of the ongoing debate over the role of churches in Nigeria’s development.
Zion says VDM’s comments undermined his advocacy
Zion said he had previously praised VDM for his advocacy on behalf of Nigerians, including his appearance at a recent Nigerian Bar Association gathering where he addressed insecurity.
However, he argued that the activist’s comments about Arome undermined the positive impact he believed VDM had previously made.
“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.
The statement comes amid an ongoing disagreement between VDM and supporters of Apostle Arome Osayi following the activist’s criticism of the preacher’s remarks about Nigeria, technological development and the country’s purported role in Christian revival.