The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) has shared Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere’s reaction to the controversial interview granted to them by the family of the late Deborah Samuel.
In the interview, the family of Deborah Samuel, who was lynched to death at Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto for alleged blasphemy, cried out over the hardships they have faced since moving to Port Harcourt. (Read Here)
After the interview went viral on social media, the minister allegedly harassed Deborah’s father, Emmanuel Garba, by singling him out during a church sermon to show his displeasure over the interview.
“The interview we gave has caused serious problems at OPM. Yesterday, he (Chinyere) called him outside inside the congregation and said that he heard everything. ‘Who interpreted it? Who interpreted that interview?’ He asked him. He (Garba) didn’t know the person, so he told him that he didn’t know the person. It seemed you brought the interpreter from your company, he told OPM.
“The pastor said that if he (Garba) knew the interpreter, he should provide that interpreter. ‘Why would you do such a thing? Why would you appear for an interview with a journalist?’ The pastor asked. Now, some people are looking at me as if I did nothing for you.’ We had serious issues with him yesterday.” FIJ quoted its source as saying.
Although unhappy with the interview, FIJ reports that Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere asked Deborah’s family to vacate their current home and move into the mini-mansion provided by the church.
The cleric also arranged for a mechanic to attend to the broken green Toyota Corolla that Emmanuel Garba used as a taxi.
