RismadarVoice Reporters
January 30, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Government has condemned Pastor Yinka Yusuf over derogatory comments against the state’s people, supporting the decision of the Akwa Ibom Property and Investment Company Limited (APICO) to deny him access to the Ibom Hall Grounds for a proposed crusade.
In a statement released on Friday, the government said the refusal was not based on security concerns but on the “vile, denigrating, and inflammatory comments” made by Pastor Yusuf in a widely circulated video, which insulted the dignity and intelligence of Akwa Ibom citizens.
The statement, signed by the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, described the remarks as “inciting, morally objectionable, and completely inconsistent with the essence of Christianity,” adding that “hate speech is not evangelism, and insults are not a substitute for doctrine.”
The government highlighted Akwa Ibom’s history of tolerance, enlightenment, and leadership, noting the contributions of prominent indigenes in education, governance, and national development, as well as the state’s reputation for hospitality, peace, and openness to religious gatherings.
The statement contrasted Yusuf’s approach with that of globally respected evangelists, citing Pastor W. F. Kumuyi, who is currently holding a crusade in the state after following proper notification procedures and consulting local authorities. By contrast, Pastor Yusuf allegedly disregarded due process, failed to notify authorities, and made unverifiable claims about participants from across the world.
“Pastor Yusuf’s actions were not motivated by the preaching of love or unity, but by a conscious attempt to provoke, insult, and sow division,” the government said, warning that failure to issue an unreserved apology could result in legal action.
