Abacha, Reinhard Bonnke And Obasanjo Remarkable Tale of Faith And Unexpected Friendship.
In a story of resilience, faith, and unexpected alliances, German evangelist Reinhard Bonnke overcame immense challenges to continue his mission in Nigeria, as detailed in a statement reflecting on his extraordinary journey.
The saga began in 1991 when Bonnke travelled to Kano for a crusade, igniting fury among Muslim fundamentalists. Their violent protests and attacks wreaked havoc, targeting Bonnke and leaving him mere minutes from death. In a dramatic turn, he was rescued by troops led by General Sani Abacha, who single-handedly quelled the riots. Despite this heroic intervention, Islamists within Nigeria’s federal government were incensed by Bonnke’s survival, wrongly blaming him for the unrest. Consequently, his visa was revoked, and he was banned from Nigeria indefinitely.
Undeterred, Bonnke remained steadfast in his mission to preach the gospel across Africa, with Nigeria—a key focus—firmly in his sights. He cooperated with authorities, offering to assist in an investigation and insisting the attack was unprovoked, driven by his message of love, not insults toward Muslims. Yet, his appeals fell on deaf ears, and a return seemed improbable.
Hope emerged when General Abacha rose to Head of State. Bonnke, learning of Abacha’s friendship with Benin’s then-president, Mathieu Kérékou, enlisted Kérékou’s aid to plead his case. To his astonishment, Abacha responded warmly, even arranging a presidential jet to fly Bonnke to the Villa without a visa. Abacha, having witnessed the 1991 riots firsthand, affirmed Bonnke’s innocence, recalling his role in the rescue. Though securing a visa proved challenging due to opposition from powerful figures, Abacha promised to persevere. Tragically, his death in 1998 halted progress just as the visa seemed within reach.
In a poignant aside, Bonnke had preached to Abacha, who showed a growing openness to Christianity, even facilitating a state visit by Pope John Paul II. However, fundamentalists in his circle complicated his decisions, Bonnke noted.
A miracle unfolded when Olusegun Obasanjo, whom Bonnke had met and prayed for weeks before his presidential bid, won the election. With Obasanjo in power, the path cleared for Bonnke’s return, marking a triumphant chapter in his mission.
This remarkable tale underscores Bonnke’s unwavering commitment, bolstered by unexpected allies like Abacha and Obasanjo, proving that faith and perseverance can overcome even the steepest odds.
