I stand by my statement - Apostle Sulieman says as he arrives DSS with 30 lawyers

There was drama, yesterday, as the Department of State Services, DSS, rescheduled its appointment with the embattled  Senior Pastor of the Omega Fire Ministry, OFM, Apostle Johnson Suleiman, twice.

Suleiman had told his supporters at a religious crusade in Ekiti State, last week, to defend themselves if they were attacked by herdsmen. The DSS officially invited Suleiman to appear before it, yesterday, for interrogation after their operatives’ initial plan to arrest him in Ekiti was foiled by the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose.

Dressed in black suit, Apostle Suleiman, who said his invitation was in order, arrived the DSS headquarters accompanied by 30 lawyers and Christian leaders.

Indeed, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, yesterday, said it was behind Suleiman, who was accompanied by a delegation led by the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Rev. Felix Omobude.

On arrival, Vanguard gathered that the large entourage was told that the appointment which was earlier meant for 10 a.m., had been rescheduled for 4p.m. When the entourage returned for the 4 p.m. appointment, they were further told to come at 7p.m., by the DSS operatives, who did not expect such a large contingent.

Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, yesterday, Apostle Suleiman said his invitation by the DSS was in order, but insisted he stands by his statement.

“I presume the right thing was done. They have been in touch with me to come and that is why I am in Abuja, so that I can see them,” he said,.

He added that the statement for which the security agency invited him was based on information from a reliable source that herdsmen were coming to attack him. He said he stood by his statement on self-defence.

“I was talking in my personal capacity on information from a reliable source that certain people in the capacity of herdsmen were coming to attack me and I told the people around me that if it happens they should defend themselves.’’