In a compelling address aimed at fostering diplomatic reconciliation, the President of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Rev. Dr. Ayuba Bagat, has staunchly defended the General Church Council (GCC) decision to split the Kano District Church Council (DCC) into two new councils, Kano South and Kano Central, during the 72nd Annual General Church Council meeting on April 29, 2025, in Jos, Plateau State.
While the decision has sparked concerns among some members, Rev. Bagat emphasized its alignment with the church’s mission to expand and fulfill the Great Commission.
Addressing the ECWA Kano DCC members, Rev. Bagat clarified, “Dear brethren, the reversal of the splitting of Kano ECWA DCC can only be done by the General Church Council, which is the highest body of our church. I cannot reverse the decision of the General Council of ECWA that split the Kano DCC.”
He disclosed that efforts to dialogue with dissenting members had been unsuccessful so far, noting, “We had dialogued with them, but to no avail for now.”
Framing the controversy as “a misunderstanding sponsored by the enemies of the church to bring division,” Rev. Bagat urged members to remain focused on Christ’s work.
“The church is praying always for expansion, not to remain stagnant, and we cannot expand if we remain in our shell,” he stated.
Citing Matthew 7, he encouraged self-reflection, saying, “Remove the log in your own eye before removing someone else’s,” and called for a renewed commitment to the Lord’s work over internal disputes.
Rev. Bagat passionately argued that the creation of two DCCs should not hinder the church’s mission. “Shall we ignore or refuse to do the work of God because there are two DCCs in Kano? Obviously not. We need more DCCs rather,” he declared, emphasizing the ultimate aim of “heaven at last.”
He stressed the importance of obedience to leadership, referencing Romans 13:1, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God,” and Hebrews 13:17, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
He urged members to remain conscious in their spiritual race, saying, “We should always be conscious in this race and let no one be the cause of our sinning, nor should we be the cause of someone else’s sin.
We should always ask ourselves, is there obedience in what we’re doing? We shouldn’t harden our hearts and become prey to our enemies.”
Calling for unity, he added, “Let’s come together in harmony to pursue our aim: heaven. Whether there are two DCCs or no DCC, we have heaven to pursue. This is an individual race. We must assess ourselves always.”
Rev. Bagat concluded with a plea to channel efforts into developing the DCCs for the glory of Jesus Christ, reflecting a diplomatic approach to reconciliation amid the challenges.
The ECWA leadership remains committed to implementing the GCC’s resolution while addressing concerns, with a focus on peace, spiritual growth, and the expansion of the church’s mission in Kano State and beyond.
“Please channel your efforts into developing the DCCs for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Peace be upon you all,” he said.
The Kano DCC has embroiled in crisis leading others believe to must have been sponsored to staged a protest in Jos, at the corporate headquarters of wanting no any splitting in the Kano DCC.
Adding his voice to the development, Counsel to the ECWA denomination, Barrister Yakubu S Bawan the protest is dead on arrival.
Mr Bawa said the protesters or their sponsors should know that the issue was filled in a court of competent jurisdiction and their action they took is against constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.
“A matter in court for trial cannot be taken to public ridicule, it’s contempt and the law frawn at it.”, he said
Bawa said is going to reply them accordingly as the Church council were served with a court document in the happenings in Kano DCC.
By Tom Garba
