By Olayinka Latona

SENIOR Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre, Pastor Bolaji Idowu has thrown his weight behind codes and regulations that would ensure accountability among churches.

Reacting to the suspended Federal Reporting Council of Nigeria, FRCN governing code for not-for-profit organizations during the ongoing church yearly WinePress Summit billed to end today, Idowu explained that when it comes to accountability and probity, churches and other religious organisations should not be left out.

The cleric advised government to carry religious leaders and other stakeholders along while deliberating on such regulations, warning that regulatory codes for churches should not be one sided that would hinder or strangulate the very essence of church in the society.

In his words: “I fully support the FRC in terms of their willingness to bring some order. I would support regulations that would make the Church fulfill its purpose, and bring accountability and authenticity among the churches. But while they are doing that, they cannot decide the rules in the house without contacting the people in the house.”

Continuing he said: “The policy is one sided. There are other institutions that cannot step down or would be very difficult to step down  like the Sultan of Sokoto. That is why I said the intent is quite malicious. If not it should cut across all platforms, will the government go to the shrine of Okija and tell the shrine worshipper master to step down?”

On the church annual WinePress Summit, Pastor Idowu explained that it is a conference created to set the tone for the year 2017 and redefine the possibilities for the New Year.

“It is a time to receive specific instructions that will make one stand out amongst the multitude. We believe that if one can fortify oneself at the beginning of the year, the year will end up in a state you want it to be. One of the things we are doing in WinePress is to inspire the people with God’s word to be able to dream again and keep the people for new hopes and leap into their desired destiny,” he said.

Pastor Sam Adeyemi, Rev. George Adegboye, Pastor Jeffrey Iyonawan, Pastor Sam Ore ministered while Sinach and Chioma Jesus ministered in songs.