EXTRA: US state ‘grants’ honourary citizenship to Apostle Suleman

Johnson Suleman, general overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, was on Thursday, conferred with a honourary citizenship of the US state of South Carolina, his media adviser has said.

According to a statement, the conferment took place at the Faithful Centre Bible Church, Inglewood, California, where Suleman held the region’s edition of his ministry’s life-changing crusade with the theme: ‘Help From Above’.

The crusade held on Tuesday and Wednesday.

John King, a lawmaker in the state, reportedly said the award is the highest given to non-residents of South Carolina.

He said it was sequel the approval of the house of representatives of the state in recognition of Suleman’s contribution to humanity.

“Apostle Suleman won this highest honour not only because he is noted as a great social worker with outstanding performances in outreach programmes but also his passion for giving without borders,” a member of the award committee was quoted to have said.

“Apostle Suleman is so privileged because there are a lot of people out there who are equally blessed if not more but are not willing to do.”

Suleman was said to have dedicated the award to God, his wide and members of the Omega Fire Ministries, worldwide.

Phrank Shaibu, Suleman’s communications manager, thanked the government and people of the state of South Carolina for finding Suleman worthy of such honour.

He described it as an indication of the acceptance of the message of salvation which Omega Fire Ministries had taken to the United States and other parts of the world.

Back home in Nigeria, Suleman has been involved in one controversy or the other.

In January, the Department of State Services (DSS) attempted to arrest him over a directive he gave to his aide to kill herdsmen found around his church.

He was subsequently invited to the DSS headquarters in Abuja and not much has been heard of the matter since then.

Three months after, one Stephanie Otobo alleged that she had sexual affairs with him.

The preacher denied the allegation.