Physically challenged persons protest Lagos’ plan to prosecute T.B Joshua

HORDES of physically challenged persons on Wednesday stormed office of the Lagos State governor at Alausa, protesting the state’s plan to prosecute the founder of Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Pastor T.B Joshua, over the collapse of a six-storey building on September 12, 2014. The protesters under the aegis of Disabled People Organisation (DPO) from Kogi State, stormed the Lagos House to express their dissatisfaction over the planned action. The planned prosecution of T.B Joshua and the builder was sequel to the recommendation of the coroner inquest, led by Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe, for failing to secure necessary approval before erecting the structure, which led to the death of 116 worshippers, mostly South Africans. The protesters were armed with a banner and placards with inscription stating their demands: “Free T.B Joshua for us. Do not prosecute the man of God,” among others. Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Ibrahim Hassan said, “We use this medium to plead with the Lagos State government and all that may be affected one way or the other to forget all that has happened on the collapsed building owned by the SCOAN, which claimed the life of Nigerians and other religious tourists. “We know that God will replenish the lost souls and comfort the family of those who died in the collapsed building in many folds. To those that lost their family members, friend and associate, please accept our deepest commiseration. We pray this will never happen again,” he added. Hassan affirmed that they were not paid to embark on the protest. But they are doing it because of their belief in the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Temitope Joshua, whom they believe has provided solution to the challenges confronting many in Nigeria and the religious tourists. His words, “This body is created in order to maintain mutual peace among all and sundry because God created us this way and given the purpose of life without complain.”