We Didn’t Encounter Demons In Aso Rock During Obasanjo’s Tenure – Jerry Gana
Former Minister of Information, Jerry Gana, on Thursday, refuted claims that members of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s cabinet encountered evil spirits during their time at the State House.
Gana made this assertion at a press conference held to announce the upcoming four-day International Conference of the African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI) in Abuja, set to commence on October 21.
The ABLI initiative, themed “Value-based Leadership Model for Africa,” aims to cultivate a new generation of transformational leaders across the continent, with a particular focus on Nigeria.
Gana’s comments were a direct response to allegations made by Reuben Abati, former spokesperson to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, who in 2016 wrote an article titled “The Spiritual Side of Aso Rock.”
In this piece, Abati suggested that a supernatural force loomed over the State House, calling for it to be converted into a museum and abandoned. He further indicated that a cleric had informed him that Aso Rock was “full of evil spirits.”
Abati recounted his own distressing experiences while residing in the Presidential Villa, stating he suffered physical ailments and could not sleep in the assigned apartment for an hour over a six-month period.
When asked if he had encountered similar supernatural occurrences during his tenure as minister, a visibly puzzled Gana shook his head. He emphasized that the absence of such experiences during Obasanjo’s administration does not imply their non-existence.
He said, “We don’t live in a free environment where you are not free to do whatever you like. You are either for light or darkness. You are either for God or the devil. There are forces within the environment in which we live that if you do not spiritually agree on who to follow, you can’t know where you belong. So the issue of spiritual forces is real. That is why the Bible says we are the light of the world.
“So whatever tension you are referring to, I don’t know. During our own time, we didn’t see the thing (demon). Maybe they are too afraid of us. But I am not saying they are not there.
“From my personal experience during the eight years of General Olusegun Obasanjo, we met for prayers every day when we were here in Abuja. We believe that God is sovereign and He will give us the understanding to be able to do the best for the country. We met every morning by 6 am to pray for just God’s wisdom and guidance.”
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