Clergyman Bishop Ibro Zion has criticised social media activist Verydarkman over his recent remarks about Apostle Arome Osayi, accusing him of disrespecting the preacher and mocking his appearance.
In a lengthy statement, Zion said VDM had previously demonstrated concern for Nigerians but argued that his comments about Arome 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 said Arome had previously risen to an executive position in Nigeria’s petrochemical industry before leaving the sector to pursue ministry, arguing that the preacher therefore understood industrialisation and technology better than VDM suggested.
He also defended Arome against comments concerning his facial appearance, saying the preacher had publicly spoken about challenges he experienced from childhood which affected his appearance.
According to Zion, Arome had travelled extensively and had access to international healthcare, arguing that it was therefore inappropriate for VDM to suggest that hospitals in China could simply fix his face.
“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.”
The clergyman also defended Arome’s position that Nigeria has a role to play in an end-time Christian revival, arguing that the preacher was not speaking on behalf of every Nigerian but from a religious perspective.
Zion cited several Nigerian Christian ministers whose ministries have extended beyond Nigeria, including Pastor Jerry Eze, Apostle Joshua Selman, Apostle Arome Osayi, Pastor William Kumuyi, Apostle Johnson Suleman and Dr Paul Enenche.
“So YES! NIGERIA is chosen by God for end time revival of the globe.”
He further argued that Christian organisations and churches have contributed to areas such as education, healthcare, charity and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
Zion referenced the activities of several pastors, including Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Jerry Eze and the founder of OPM, while arguing that churches have made significant contributions to 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 said he had previously praised VDM for his advocacy on behalf of Nigerians, including his presentation at a recent Nigerian Bar Association gathering where he addressed insecurity.
However, he said VDM’s comments about Arome were, in his view, unacceptable.
“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 calling on 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 after the activist criticised the preacher’s recent remarks about Nigeria, technological development and the country’s purported role in Christian revival.
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