I am not party to $9.3m deal-Oritsejafor

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, ( CAN) Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor has said he knew nothing about the controversial $9.3m smuggled into South Africa by two Nigerians and an Israeli, using his private jet.

Oritsejafor broke his silence during the National Executive Council meeting of CAN on Monday at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.

The CAN leader said there had been attempts in the media to link him with the incident by mischievous elements, adding that he had kept quiet all the while, because he needed to explain his position to the church which is his primary constituency.

Oritsekafor, in his address declared that he was never a party to the movement of the $9.3m from Nigeria to South Africa to purchase arms and ammunition.

“I want to assure you that I will not do anything to tarnish the image of Jesus Christ or compromise the divine standard of the church.

“As you are all aware, the media has been awashed in the past few days about an unfortunate incident involving the movement of funds from Nigeria to South Africa. In the unfortunate news reports, attempts have been made to link me directly with the transaction.

“So far I have refrained from making any direct public response pending the time that I would have brief the leaders if the church and explain my position on the issues to them.
“I believe that the primary institution that I owe any explanation to is the church.”
‎Oritsejafor added: “At the risk of being seen to be defending myself, I wish to confirm to the distinguished leaders of the church that the Bombardier Challenger 601 aircraft in question is mine. The aircraft was presented to me as a gift by members of our congregation and ministry partners worldwide at my 40th anniversary of my call into the ministry.