DESPITE its earlier stance, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has promised the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) and its embattled pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo accused of rape by Busola Dakolo, wife to Nigeria popular artist Timi Dakolo, that the Christian body will always support the church.

“It is a pleasure being here. And I assure you we are with you and we will continue to be with you. We are in support of the church, we are in support of your pastor, we stand by him. The gates of hell shall not prevail and this church will continue to match forward,” said Rev. Israel Akanji, the  CAN President of Federal Capital Territory.

On Sunday, the CAN chairman and another top official of the body in a solidarity visit to COZA said they were throwing their support solidly behind the general overseer come what may in his “times of trails.”

“How can I and the FCT chairman hear that one church that God has a plan and purpose for is going through this Jerusalem- Jericho road and then we will walk and walk away?

“We are here to let you know we are with you in prayers. The Lord will bring you out even stronger. Our pastor here by the grace of God will continue to be the voice of God to proclaim the whole nations of the world. We want you to know you are not alone, you have many brothers and sisters praying for you.” The second representative added amidst loud agog from the congregation.

However, weeks ago, Supo Ayokunle, CAN’s president,  when contacted by newsmen distanced the association from the saga said the body does not interfere on internal- church matters but only intermediate on the inter-religious matters that concerns the church and the government only.

So CAN representatives went to COZA to show support for Biodun Fatoyinbo yesterday. Nigeria really is a "special" country lol pic.twitter.com/03ELk13XtP

— Wole (@Kingwole) July 15, 2019

Fatoyinbo, whom his wife Omodele fiercely defended has stepped-down as pastor in the church till investigation on the matter is concluded. He had earlier in a press statement denied the rape allegation and called it an attack to the body of Christ.