PRESS RELEASE BY CONCERNED MEMBERS OF ECWA KANO DCC
Date: May 29, 2025
Title: A Call to Uphold Truth, Justice, and Biblical Leadership in ECWA
PREAMBLE
We, a throng of Concerned Members of ECWA Kano DCC, issue this statement with heavy hearts but unshaken conviction. Bound by love for Christ, loyalty to ECWA, and commitment to righteousness, we can no longer remain silent as deception, impunity, and disregard for law and Scripture take root within the leadership culture of our church.
Recently, we peacefully traveled to the ECWA Headquarters in Jos to present heartfelt concerns about:
– Violations of the ECWA Constitution and Bye-Laws,
– Disregard for the Nigerian Constitution that protects religious institutions,
– Clear disobedience to a valid court order instructing all parties to maintain the status quo until hearing and determination by the court.
To our dismay, we were denied even the basic courtesy of being heard. Security officers blocked us from entering ECWA Headquarters while the ECWA Executives, present in their offices, refused to receive us. This conduct contradicts the humility and pastoral heart required of leaders as stated in 1 Peter 5:2–3.
Worse still, the ECWA President publicly denied our identity as ECWA members—even though we appeared in official ECWA fellowship uniforms. This false and dehumanizing denial violates John 10:14, where Jesus says, “I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” Rejecting the very people a leader is called to serve is disheartening.
We are also grieved that Rev. Dr. David Gyet, despite unresolved allegations of moral misconduct and disobedience to ECWA books offense amounts to dismissal in ECWA practice, continues to be elevated and protected. As 1 Timothy 3:2 teaches, a church leader must be “above reproach.” This compromise tarnishes ECWA’s testimony and confuses the youth about biblical leadership.
OUR POSITION AND DEMANDS
- The Court Order Must Be Respected
On April 15, 2025, Hon. Justice Aisha Mahmoud of the High Court No. 24, Gwarzo Judicial Division, issued an order in Suit No. K/19/2025 (Elder Ali Abdu & 8 Others vs ECWA Registered Trustees & 13 Others) which states:
“An order is hereby granted directing the Defendants/Respondents to maintain status quo ante bellum in respect of this matter pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”
This means no structural, leadership, or disciplinary changes were to be made until the court rules.
- Contempt Of Court is a Crime
Despite this binding instruction, the ECWA Executive:
– Proposed and pushed for the illegal restructuring of Kano DCC,
– Suggested punitive actions and leadership changes,
– Initiated election of new DCC leadership.
These actions directly violate the court order and amount to criminal contempt under Nigerian law. This must not be ignored.
- Blatant Violation Of ECWA’s Constitution
The ECWA Constitution demands:
– Due process and procedural integrity,
– Fair hearing and inclusive participation,
– Respect for church autonomy and legal authority.
These principles were disregarded through:
– Irreversible actions during a pending legal case,
– Misleading GCC members for rubber-stamp approval,
– Ignoring the balanced recommendations of the third committee.
- Spiritual and Ethical Collapse Must be Addressed
We observe a growing pattern of:
– Leadership manipulation and spiritual intimidation,
– Ethnic bias and factionalism,
– Disregard for the moral example expected of leaders.
This is not merely a governance issue; it is a spiritual crisis. ECWA cannot claim holiness while practicing compromise. The church cannot assert moral authority while defying both civil and ecclesiastical law.
CONCLUSION AND CALL TO ACTION
We call on all true lovers of ECWA—pastors, elders, lay leaders, youth, and women across Nigeria and beyond—to wake up and speak out. Silence is no longer an option. If this culture of impunity continues, future leaders will walk deeper in rebellion without accountability.
We demand the following:
- Immediate suspension of all decisions made at the 72nd GCC regarding Kano DCC until the court rules.
- Full compliance with the court order of April 15, 2025, and cessation of further action until the next hearing on May 19, 2025.
- Accountability for ECWA leaders who acted in contempt of court and violated the Constitution.
- Reaffirmation of constitutional governance, biblical leadership, and procedural justice in all ECWA affairs.
- Immediate removal from high office of any leader under unresolved moral investigation to preserve the integrity of the church.
Let us remember:
“Let all things be done decently and in order.” – 1 Corinthians 14:40
“The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy.” – Proverbs 12:22
We are not rebels. We are sons and daughters of ECWA, standing in defense of her soul. May God cleanse, correct, and restore His church—and raise a new generation of leaders who walk in truth, humility, and justice.
Signed,
Concerned Members of ECWA Kano DCC.
READ ALSO:
ECWA commends CBN over stability, appreciation of naira
ECWA Kano DCC Members Petition Trustees over Alleged Injustice, Threaten to Renounce Church
