Once in a while, challenges of life dictate that men and women of virtue and good will stand up to confront injustice, intimidation and oppression. Once in a while, in our journey through life, we are confronted with obstacles, that on the surface of it need not have been but nevertheless persistent. These are times when our revulsion should be strongly demonstrated. This is particularly apt in the face of a festering sore in Akwa Ibom state that has turned itself into a monster that refused to be tamed by societal (and even international) revulsion. She is roaming freely like in pre-historic times when the dinosaurs roam the earth surface. She appeared untameable, finding willing collaborators amongst her befuddled congregation who are always willing to act as her “almajiris”.
Without mincing words, the monster in question is Evangelist Helen Ukpabio, the founder of Liberty Foundation Gospel Ministries, Nigeria. Helen has remained defiant even in the face of national and international condemnation of her tainted and psychotic teachings. Her “almajiris” are nothing more than her abundant religious thugs who would readily use the name of Jesus Christ to disrupt organised conferences. The paranoid and almost schizophrenic-like antics and behaviour of Helen Ukpabio defies decency and calls for immediate reaction on the part of the government of Nigeria. No human being should be greater than the laws of the land. Religious practices should also be conducted within the confines of established rules without infringing on the rights of children and adults alike. These are the tenets the rather egoistic Helen does not want to respect and hence the continued conflict and tension in Akwa Ibom state.
We are all probably aware of the release of a documentary (still accessible on the net) titled “Saving Africa’s Child Witches” by Gary Foxcroft of SteppingStone Nigeria (SSN), produced by Mag Gavan for British TV Channel 4. What most may not probably be aware of is the aftermath of the release of this documentary. Helen Ukpabio saw the release of this documentary as a declaration of war on her hitherto nefarious activities. She came out smoking from all ends and has vowed to make Akwa Ibom state uncomfortable for her “enemies”. Her reaction is the least expected of a genuine minister of the word. Amongst others, she had organised a police raid and beating of staff and children of the CRARN Centre in Eket and had taken SSN, CRARN and Akwa Ibom government to court.
We accept it as definitely within Helen Ukpabio’s right to resort to court of law if she feels aggrieved. This is a much civilised action. However, being the ego-filled, power intoxicated person she is, Helen did not stop there. She has continued to take sadistic pleasure in the physical intimidation of CRARN, SSN and all those opposed to her tainted teachings. Recently, on Wednesday, 29th July 2009, SSN in conjunction with CRARN and other sister organisations including the Nigerian Humanist Movement of Leo Igwe, organised a conference on “Child Rights and Witchcraft” in Calabar. Helen Ukpabio supporters (nee almajiris) numbering about 150 to 200 descended on the venue causing mayhem. Leo Igwe was thoroughly beaten up by the mob and had a number of possessions stolen from him. For more details and a visual account of this reign of terror by Helen Ukpabio’s mob, please visit this link:
In the light of the continued reign of terror by Helen and her hypnotised, brain-washed and ill-guided supporters, it behoves on civilised men and women all over the world to strongly call on the Nigerian government to call Helen Ukpabio to order. She and her misguided type of evangelists and pastors should be brought to book. It is imperative that the Nigerian government take steps to ensure that ill-gotten wealth on the part of those using religion to stigmatise children, is ploughed back into rehabilitating stigmatised children.
We boldly state that no one or group has the right to compromise the future and comfort of innocent children on the platform of some obscene religious doctrine. Thus, it behoves on us all to protect those fundamental values essential for the sustenance of human civilisation. The rights of children deserve respect from us all, irrespective of religion. We also must not compromise organised resistance (on the platform of religion) to freedom of expression. Helen Ukpabio by her behaviour and attitude has violated these two sacrosanct values of the human race. Nigerian children should have the right to peaceful existence without the fear of child-haters like Helen Ukpabio. We call on you all to join in the effort to convince the Nigerian government of the paramount need to curtail the excesses of Helen Ukpabio. Helen Ukpabio must be brought to justice!
Please log on to this petition site to append your signature. Your signature is valuable and important. It could be all that is required to save the life of a potential “child witch”.
Thank you.
Olusegun Fakoya, MD.
2 comments
I haven't read up on your claim from other sources but I am compelled to believe that some wierd individuals(psychopaths) use religion and in this case christianity to permanently mangle lives especially the unprotected innocents and the vulnerable ones as in this labeling and ridiculing timid children into believing that they are possessed and are evil. The healthcare community need to rally and join forces to stop this evil practice and dehumanization perpetrated by religious sociopaths.
This unregulated and unsupervised practice is barbaric and need to stop.
Pasted below is a piece of helpful information for your convinience.
Profile of the Sociopath
This website summarizes some of the common features of descriptions of the behavior of sociopaths.
Glibness and Superficial Charm
Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.
Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as "their right."
Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.
Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.
Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.
Incapacity for Love
Need for Stimulation
Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.
Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.
Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.
Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.
Irresponsibility/Unreliability
Not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.
Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.
Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.
Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.
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Other Related Qualities:
Contemptuous of those who seek to understand them
Does not perceive that anything is wrong with them
Authoritarian
Secretive
Paranoid
Only rarely in difficulty with the law, but seeks out situations where their tyrannical behavior will be tolerated, condoned, or admired
Conventional appearance
Goal of enslavement of their victim(s)
Exercises despotic control over every aspect of the victim's life
Has an emotional need to justify their crimes and therefore needs their victim's affirmation (respect, gratitude and love)
Ultimate goal is the creation of a willing victim
Incapable of real human attachment to another
Unable to feel remorse or guilt
Extreme narcissism and grandiose
May state readily that their goal is to rule the world
(The above traits are based on the psychopathy checklists of H. Cleckley and R. Hare.)
Although this so-called Evangelist behaviour has been called into question and exposed for the falsehood it theologically is, she is still determined to cause havoc with her followers. Unfortunately I didn’t watch the programme but I have spoken to so many who have who were upset, not only by her vendetta – for want of a better word – against these children, whom nothing has been proved.
My disappointment lies with the wider church in Nigeria who do not seem to condemn the behaviour of her and her cohorts in the strongest possible way.