In a world filled with political correctness and lowered standards of truth because of the influence of power and wealth, a spiritual battle is being waged – a battle for the soul of a distinguished leader, General T.Y Danjuma. The controversy between the anointed servant of God, Pastor Paul Rika, International Director of Holiness Revival Movement Worldwide (HOREMOW), and the former Minister of Defense, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (Rtd) has gripped the hearts and minds of many. But amidst the controversies, debates and differences, one thing remains certain: Pastor Paul Rika's love for the soul of General Danjuma goes beyond earthly controversies; it is rooted in the deep, unyielding love of God for His creatures.
I was deeply impressed and my faith in God was strengthened when I read Pastor Paul Rika's godly, courageous and humble response to the letter from General T.Y Danjuma dated 27th of September 2024 alleging of defamation and threatening 1 billion naira lawsuit over the contents of his recent book titled, "God's Message to Kuteb Tribe and Indigenes of Taraba State."
General Danjuma said that the statements contained in the book are, in so far as they concern him, reckless, ill-advised, and highly defamatory of him, as they are calculated not only to bring him into public odium, hatred, and contempt but also to incite public ill-will and opprobrium against him, without any respect for his hard-earned reputation in Taraba State and Nigeria at large.
In his letter to the General, Pastor Paul Rika disagrees with General T.Y Danjuma over the alleging defamation and urged him to humble himself to receive the message as from God who is interested in his salvation and not his public reputation at this age of his life. He assured him that sometimes God's message may appear damaging but if we listen, they will change us into what he desires us to be before our death. He sent the General more of his books so that he will understand that he is not the first that God has sent hard messages to, as God is not interested in massaging egos of his children when he wants them to make a U-turn before it's too late.
The cleric sent additional books to Danjuma to help him understand the context, explaining that God does not seek to “massage egos” but to convey truth.
Pastor Rika said, “I want you to know the certainty of the message the Lord has sent to you, the Kuteb people and the Indigenes of Taraba State. You know that God is your Creator as much as He is the Creator of other people. He loves you as much as He loves other people and will not want you to oppress them. God has no respect for persons; He is the Lord of all. He has the liberty to speak to anybody at any time and in the manner He wants. He is the one who will bring everyone to judgment. Should He speak to you in your lifetime on earth or after your lifetime, when there would be no chance anymore to show you mercy? Judge it yourself."
“As the Lord sent a message to King Ahab concerning the wickedness he did to Naboth and his family, so the Lord has sent you the message contained in the book on the evil you have done to the Kuteb tribe from your youth to this day, which you are planning to continue, even after your lifetime on earth, as revealed by God in the book.”
He likened his book to the letter sent to Theophilus in the Book of Luke, saying: “I have no doubt that this is true of you because the revelation came from God. Your argument against this truth has no meaning, because of your practical … deeds against the Kuteb tribe and against Taraba State at large, which are still ongoing. The revelation message in the book is true and many people bear witness to it, both in Taraba State and in the world around it.”
The cleric admonished the retired general, “Please Sir, acknowledge your iniquity, both as God revealed it in that book and as men testify practically in your hearing. I want you to know your need for genuine repentance through saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, your Creator, Saviour and the great Judge over your life both now in your lifetime and after your death.
“This involves genuine confession of your sins to Him and confession, apologies, and restitution to the Kuteb tribe … Be informed that the Kuteb nation is crying to God against you for vengeance against you …
“You will need to do the same to Taraba State and all that you have offended as much as you can remember. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.
“I want to believe that your sins have not gone beyond the boundary of being forgiven by God because He is a great God of mercy. Even when men get angry because of what you have done over the years, God will still forgive you and grant you heaven, if you genuinely repent and walk in the newness of life. You need to humble yourself and forget your greatness, riches, honour and popularity among men,and accept Jesus to be your Lord and Saviour.”
Throughout history, God has used His prophets to warn kings and nations. From the righteous instruction of Noah to the righteous rebuke of Nathan, the messages of God's anointed servants have resounded through the corridors of power, calling leaders to repentance and righteousness. In the same vein, Pastor Paul Rika stands as a modern-day prophet, bearing God's message to General Danjuma and the nation of Nigeria.
The Bible is replete with examples of how God's messengers fearlessly spoke truth to power. From Elijah confronting King Ahab to Daniel interpreting dreams for Kings, the boldness of God's prophets transcends time and culture. The urgency of their messages, though at times uncomfortable, was rooted in love – a love that seeks the salvation and well-being of the hearers.
In the case of General Danjuma, Pastor Paul Rika's love for his soul and his salvation shines through the controversy. It is not a battle for personal gain or political supremacy; it is a battle for the eternity of a soul dearly beloved by God. In Ezekiel 33:7-9, the Lord commands His prophet to warn the wicked, and if they do not turn from their ways, their blood will be on their own heads. But if the prophet warns them and they do not listen, their blood will be on their own heads, and the prophet will have saved his own soul. Pastor Paul Rika's love for General Danjuma's soul compels him to speak the truth, to lovingly caution and call for repentance.
The controversy between Pastor Paul Rika and General Danjuma is not just a clash of personalities or ideologies; it is a spiritual confrontation, echoing the timeless battle between good and evil, truth and deception. This is a battle where the eternal destiny of a soul hangs in the balance. Thus, General Danjuma's response to Pastor Paul Rika's message should not just be a matter of earthly reputation or political power; it is a matter of spiritual significance, a matter of surrendering to God's loving call to righteousness and salvation.
In conclusion, the call for General Danjuma to listen to Pastor Paul Rika's message is not merely a matter of personal preference or religious conviction; it is a matter of eternal consequence. The love that Pastor Paul Rika demonstrates in boldly proclaiming God's truth to General Danjuma reflects the heart of the God who desires all to come to repentance and the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:3–4 says, "This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth".
General Danjuma, like all of us, stands at the crossroads of decision, where the voice of God through His servant beckons him to choose life and righteousness. May he heed the call and may this controversy ultimately lead to the salvation and transformation of a soul dearly loved by God.
Pastor Dapo Soyemi
Is a Pastor based in Abuja
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