Pastor Paul Rika, a cleric from Taraba and the International Director of the Holiness Revival Movement Worldwide, has responded defiantly to former Defense Minister Theophilus Danjuma’s threat of a N1 billion defamation lawsuit regarding Rika’s book, “God’s Message to Kuteb Tribe and Indigenes of Taraba State.”
In his response, Rika emphasized that the messages in his book are divinely inspired and urged Danjuma to perceive them as God’s words instead of pursuing legal action. Danjuma, through his legal representative, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), had demanded a retraction of statements he deemed defamatory, asserting they portrayed him as “wicked, mischievous, evil, and anti-democratic.”
In a letter obtained by journalists, Rika stood firm, advising Danjuma to heed what he described as a divine warning. He suggested that the messages might seem damaging but are intended to inspire change and reflection.
Rika further elaborated on his views about divine judgment, asserting that God speaks to everyone and holds them accountable for their actions. He called for Danjuma to recognize what he termed his iniquities against the Kuteb tribe and urged him to seek genuine repentance.
The cleric’s message included additional books he hoped would aid Danjuma in understanding the context of his writings, emphasizing that God’s messages do not flatter egos but rather convey truth.
In closing, Rika warned that if Danjuma continues down a path of legal action, he would be facing not only him but also divine judgment, positioning himself as a witness to God’s truth as revealed through his writings. Rika included titles for Danjuma’s “spiritual edification,” aiming to promote reflection on his actions and the need for repentance.
This ongoing dispute highlights the intersection of faith, personal accountability, and the legal implications of public statements in Nigeria, raising questions about the role of religious leaders in addressing societal issues.
