Authorities of the Kogi State Christian Pilgrims Commission has wade in on the argument about the removal of the name of the former SSA new media to the governor, Hon Odaudu Joel Minister.
The clarification was contained in a press statement made available to newsmen in Lokoja and signed by the Chairman of the commission, Pastor Samuel Ajinuhi and Secretary, Deacon Simeon Onakpa.
The commission said it was guided by Laws when relating with other Nations, saying the diplomatic ties with the State of Israel on pilgrimage matters was guided jealously for smooth conduct of Pilgrimage in Kogi state as well.
The Commission noted that itself and its staff have not shirked in any way the discharge of their statutory functions of organising, coordinating, supervising and ensuring welfare of pilgrims to and from Israel on behalf of the people and government of Kogi state were successful.
It therefore urged Hon Odaudu Minister to note that his assumption that his name was removed from Kogi Visa List in 2018 was not true because at no time did the Chief of Staff, Edward Onoja, requested for the removal of his name from the said list.
It used the opportunity to assure members of the public that under Governor Yahaya Bello administration, “KGCPC operates an open and transparent system where all issues of concerns are promptly attended to and addressed.”
The full statement reads as follows:
The attention of this commission has been drawn to an online post credited to Mr Odaudu Joel alleging that chief Edward Onoja the chief of staff to the Governor of Kogi state was instrumental to the removal of his name(odaudu joel) from the Kogi state Visa list for 2018 Christian pilgrimage.
For the avoidance of doubt we make the following official statement for the public and Mr odaudu in particular to note;
That:
Kogi State Christian Pilgrims Commission is guided by Law as an agency of Government, guided by Act when relating with Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission and International Treaties when relating with other Nation.
The diplomatic ties with the State of Israel on pilgrimage matters is guided jealously for smooth conduct of Pilgrimage in Kogi state as well.
It is worthy of note that since present board and management under the leadership of Pastor Ajinuhi Samuel, the Commission and its staff have not shirked in the discharge of their statutory functions of organising, coordinating, supervising, and ensuring welfare of pilgrims to and from Israel on behalf of the people and government of Kogi state.
With this background we want our friend Odaudu Joel to note that his mindset or assumption that his name was removed from Kogi Visa list in 2018 was a mis placement of truth in real sense of the matter.
Be it known that at no time did the chief of staff, Edward Onoja directly or indirectly, verbal or in written correspondent requested the removal of your name (Odaudu Joel) from the said list, infact the name Odaudu Joel was number 75 on the list recommended for Visa through NCPC Abuja and the Ministry of Interior Israel.
Under new direction administration, KGCPC operates an open and transparent system where all issues of concerns are promptly attended to and addressed.
Having gone through the post of Odaudu Joel in the early hours of Thursday 6th June, 2019, we are left with no option than to place records straight.
That Odaudu was not the only one denied Visa in 2018, there are 13 others who were affected who still are hopeful to be part of the general pilgrimage towards the end of the year. Time and space may not allow for mentioning their names one after the other, but suffice to say that intending pilgrims close to the wife of the Governor were also denied Visa, a security agent was denied, some other private and self sponsored pilgrims were also denied visas, including a staff of the commission meant to travel as supportive staff while in Israel, it is also very important to note that from the inception of the present administration the chief of staff Edward Onoja has assisted several clergymen and women from the three senatorial district even when himself have not had the privilege of performing the holy PILGRIMAGE in Israel.
VISA ADMINISTRATION. Truth being said will set us free and clear our heads.
Once application for Visa leaves the shores of Nigeria through Ncpc no ONE has power/powers to influence the grant or otherwise of it. Israel won’t for any reason bend their rules on Visa for obvious reasons among which is to prevent absconment.
Conclusively, it necessary to say that denial or Visa rejection is nothing new in Nigeria and KGCPC, hence it should not raise the blood pressure of any one. On the call that the commission Secretary made to Odaudu Joel on 13th or 14th December, 2018 it was a routine job of informing PILGRIMS ahead time on the status of their application and nothing more. Joel, other intending pilgrims denied visa and the general public are free to come to the Commission to verify the Joel’s denial as it appears on the list sent by the Israeli government.
Please leave Edward Onoja out of this.
Signed;
PST Samuel Ajinuhi – Executive Chairman, KSCPC
Dcn Simeon Onakpa – Commission Secretary
