The Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Public Communication, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has said that he President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor has no case to answer over the $9.3 million cash smuggled into South Africa in his private jet.
Okupe made this assertion while speaking to newsmen in Abuja, Sunday.
He said: “Most Nigerians do not also respect the sensibilities of other people. Oritsejafor is the President of CAN and head of all Christians in Nigeria who is representing at least 50 per cent of people in this country. When it comes to a man like that, people should be cautious and circumspect.”
Pastor Oritsejafor’s Bombardier jet was on September 5 seized by South African authorities after the sum $9.3 million was found with an Isreali, Eyal Miseka and two yet to be identified Nigerians at the Lanserai airport. The issue generated a lot of controversy, with several groups berating the man of God for getting himself involved in such a deal, while others called for his resignation as CAN president.
Despite claims by the government that the money was actually meant for arms purchase, criticisms and denigrating comments directed at Oritsejafor has not reduced.
The presidency, through Okupe, has now said that the founder of Word of Life Bible Church, is innocent and has no business with the said deal.