By Emmanuel Awari, Jalingo
The Global Methodist Church Nigeria (GMCN) has strongly refuted claims of bankruptcy made by Rev. Dr. Micah Dopah, Director of Connectional Ministries of the United Methodist Church (UMC), describing the statement as baseless and defamatory.
Speaking at a press briefing in Jalingo, the GMCN Bishop, Rev. Dr. John Pena Auta, represented by the Conference Superintendent, Rev. Yayuba Baziel Yoila, condemned the allegations and disclosed plans to pursue legal action against Rev. Dopah.
“It is laughable for anyone to describe GMCN as bankrupt,” said Rev. Yoila. “We are not bankrupt. We have all the resources needed to carry out God’s work. Rev. Dopah clearly doesn’t understand the meaning of bankruptcy.”
Rev. Yoila accused Rev. Dopah of making unfounded statements to gain public sympathy and alleged that Dopah’s previous political affiliations enabled him to manipulate situations for personal gain.
Rev. Yoila highlighted that Rev. Dopah left the church 12 years ago and subsequently registered his own church under a different name with the Corporate Affairs Commission. As such, he said Dopah has no claim to GMCN properties.
“He was the first to break away from the church. He has been occupying church properties in Zing, Yorro, and other places illegally. GMCN has no intention of sharing properties with him or anyone else who broke away,” Rev. Yoila stated.
The land for the GMCN headquarters, he revealed, was purchased by former Governor Rev. Jolly Tavoro Nyame, who is a member of the church’s Board of Trustees.
Aircraft Sale Clarified
Addressing concerns about the sale of the church’s aircraft, Rev. Yoila explained that the decision was made by the immediate past bishop, Rev. John Wesley, to alleviate the financial burden of maintenance. He assured that the sale followed proper procedures.
Dopah’s Claims
The controversy arose after Rev. Dopah, in an interview, accused the GMCN of facing financial struggles and illegally acquiring properties belonging to the United Methodist Church Nigeria (UMCN). He offered to assist GMCN in raising funds to build their headquarters in Jalingo, claiming they were in dire need of support.
“The breakaway faction of UMCN, now GMCN, is frustrated and facing financial difficulties,” Dopah alleged. “I am willing to help them raise funds to build their headquarters and stop encroaching on UMCN properties.”
GMCN’s Stand
The GMCN leadership dismissed Dopah’s offer and allegations, asserting that they exited the UMCN legally after following due process.
“GMCN remains resolute and operates within the constitution of the church and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” said Rev. Yoila.
The church leadership commended former Governor Rev. Nyame for distancing himself from Dopah, whom they accused of spreading falsehoods.
The dispute underscores ongoing tensions between the two factions over property ownership and financial management, with GMCN reiterating its independence and readiness to defend its integrity in court.