Pastor Uche Aigbe, the presiding pastor of House on the Rock Abuja, has apologized completely to his church and to all Nigerians for standing in front of the audience with an unloaded AK-47.
In a video shared on the church’s social media page on Tuesday, a repentant Aigbe can be seen the pastor saying in last Sunday’s service that he was disappointed in himself for not thinking through the repercussions of bringing the firearm to illustrate a passage in Scripture before making the decision.
In order to address the assembly on “Guarding the Faith,” the preacher mounted the podium while brandishing a firearm.
Nigerians had varying reactions to the viral video clip of him wielding an AK-47 on the altar, with some asking for his arrest by security forces.
The church said in a statement that since he became a pastor in 1999, the minister has consistently displayed exceptional leadership.
The church criticized the minister’s use of the rifle while claiming that he was attempting to utilize the action to illustrate his point.
Aigbe was summoned for questioning while the drama was still going on and afterwards arrested by police in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
The command also announced the arrest of Inspector Musa Audu, the church’s chief security officer, whom it identified as the AK-47’s owner.
Yet in the middle of the Sunday Service, Aigbe told his audience that the terrible event he had the previous week had left him with many worries.
He apologized for embarrassing the church with his actions, but also admitted remorse for not thinking twice before mounting the podium with a gun.
“This morning, I stand before you with a great sense of humility and contrition as I humbly confront the occurrence of last Sunday at the second service, which most of us were a part of, where I used an unloaded pistol to illustrate several passages from the Bible about the good fight of faith, he stated.
Of course, as you are all aware, it has caused a great deal of pain and disgrace to my immediate family, the entire church family, you House on the Rock (The Refuge), and, of course, to myself. I didn’t think it through when I chose to wield that weapon. I feel dissatisfied in myself as a result. For me, my family, and I’m sure many of us, my behavior has been quite distressing. And I have faith that we won’t ever again go through that.
The presiding pastor abruptly stated that he would be taking a week off from his pastoral duties to reflect on the preceding week’s events and for healing, thanking his family and the church’s leadership for their moral, physical, and spiritual support since his trial began.
He claims that after careful consideration and discussion with the church leadership, the decision was made.
Aigbe also took the chance to pray for a nonviolent and peaceful election.
“I want to thank each and every one of you for your prayers, love, empathy, kind words, and emotional support at this trying time. Time is such a test for Christians, and I am currently experiencing it and discovering possibilities to increase my grace. I am grateful for the love of our heavenly father, who never abandons us. He has sworn to always be by our side, no matter what occurs.
“In order to achieve this, I have engaged with the church’s top leadership when appropriate and with their consent. And I sincerely need your permission to spend some time for prayer, meditation, reflection, and healing from everything that happened and its effects. But, you can count on me to join you in worship every Sunday and Wednesday at church.
“Let me say that I have no resentment toward anyone in my heart. If I insulted you, I really apologize. God will always be God and be our Father.
So let’s continue to put our whole trust and faith in God. Let’s keep working on the house and resist any attempts by the adversaries to stop us. I also trust God for a calm election on Saturday and in the weeks that follow,” he pleaded.
The entire audience stood to applaud him after he was done speaking.
Numerous people approached him to give him pats and hugs while assuring him that the storm is gone.
Also, there were responses on the church’s social media account, where several fans praised his bravery and his astounding repentance.
“Wonderful to see you again, My Pastor!” cried Tony Atambi. The Lord will continue to stand up for you, Pastor Uche, commented another social media user, Omiete Alalibo. The enemy’s plans will all be effectively foiled.
Ogunniyi Oluseye Oreofe, another devotee, asserted that “God has turned things around for our Betterment.”
Sheyilami Longe, a lawyer, remarked, “It’s good to see you, my pastor.”
“God is wonderful to us through every season of our lives, and he is with you Pastor Uche, your family, and every member of House On The Rock,” Nanman wrote on his own behalf.
