Taraba Govt Clarifies Arrest of GMC Pastor, Bazel Yoila
Echo Express
The Taraba State Government has noted with concern a publication circulating on newspapers and social media with related commentaries alleging impropriety in the arrest of Rev. Bazel Yoila by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The Government’s reaction is contained in a Press Release signed by the Commissioner for Information and Reorientation, Barr Zainab Usman Jalingo.
The Release stressed that the security agencies proactively acted in the interest of public enlightenment, peace, and responsible civic engagement.
“The state government considers it imperative to clarify the facts surrounding the incident and to correct misleading impressions conveyed by the said publication.
“The Taraba State Government states unequivocally that it is appalled by the public attack launched by John Wesley, Bishop Emeritus, against the Taraba State DSS Command. The government finds it deeply troubling that while condemning the actions of security agencies, the Bishop fell short of holding his pastor accountable for the highly inflammatory and reckless outburst captured in a video clip that has since gone viral on social media.
“In the said video, Rev. Bazel Yoila was clearly heard issuing statements capable of inciting violence and threatening a breakdown of law and order, including a direct assertion that “…the state will be on fire” should the government continue with the reconciliation process within the United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN).
“Such utterances, regardless of the platform or intent claimed, constitute a serious threat to public peace and cannot be trivialized or ignored by any responsible government especially one that prioritizes Security.
The Taraba State Government reiterated that the ongoing reconciliation process within the UMCN was initiated in good faith, purely as a peace building effort, and without prejudice to any party.
“The government’s involvement has at all times been guided by neutrality, inclusiveness, and the singular objective of preventing the spillover of internal disputes into wider communal unrest. “Any attempt to derail this process through threats or inflammatory rhetoric is unacceptable and will be met with the full weight of the law”.
The government further noted that since the matter is currently before a court of competent jurisdiction, all parties are urged to allow the judicial process to run its full course without undue interference, or inflammatory commentary.
“The Taraba State Government will continue to respect the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary and will not engage in commentary that may prejudice ongoing legal proceedings.
The Release equally called on media organizations and social commentators to adhere strictly to the ethics of journalism by verifying information from credible and official sources before publication.
“Sensational, one-sided, or inaccurate reporting has the potential to mislead the public and undermine the collective efforts to sustain peace in the state”.
