PFN Bayelsa Chairman Embroiled in N15m Scandal, Leadership Controversy

By Paschal Emeka

There are indications that the Bayelsa State Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Pastor Dr. Tam Seth Eyedoude is reportedly embroiled in controversy over speculations of misappropriating N15 million donated by ex-Governor Timipre Sylva among sundry issues.

A credible insider source said his leadership credentials were also under fire, with concerns being raised about the legitimacy of his election as state chairman of the PFN coupled with his dual role as PFN Chairman and Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa State Pilgrims Board, sparking questions about potential constitutional breaches.

According to a reliable source, members of the PFN State Advisory Council, comprising respected Pentecostal pastors, were allegedly excluded from key decisions by the embattled State Chairman. The source revealed that the chairman’s refusal to convene meetings with the state advisory council, as mandated by the PFN constitution, was a deliberate attempt to marginalize council members.

“This has effectively rendered him a de facto sole administrator, raising questions about his legitimacy as PFN State Chairman, particularly since he was not even elected by the state advisory council in the first place,” the source further revealed.

This development has reportedly ignited intense controversy among Pentecostal pastors in the state, further complicated by Eyedoude’s dual roles as Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa State Pilgrims Board and PFN State Chairman. The concurrent positions have sparked concerns about potential conflicts of interest and governance issues within the organization.

According to another insider source, the demand for transparency and accountability which has reportedly sparked an internal crisis within the PFN family, even as concerned pastors within the fold are now rooting for transparency and accountability over the 15 million Naira fund’s utilization, fueling sharp divisions among members.

It was further gathered that a foremost Ijaw gospel artist and activist, Apostle Dr. Bannerman Ebiowei Timitula ignited the controversy within the Bayelsa Christian community when he raised questions about a N15 million donation ex- Governor Timipre Sylva made for the purpose of completing the PFN Bayelsa state Secretariat which has not been accounted for during one of the state congresses in Yenagoa.

The cleric’s probing question, a source said sounded the first alarm that sparked concerns about absence of good governance and accountability within the revered Pentecostal organization, comprising Spirit-filled churches that are committed to the propagation of the full gospel of Jesus Christ.

“The issue was brought to limelight during one of our state congress meetings in Yenagoa, but the PFN State Chairman, responded with anger, fueling further controversy and suspicion within the body,” a source explained.

Another source within the PFN also revealed that there has not been any financial audit report presented to the state congress from the inception of Pastor’s Eyedoude leadership, informing that: “This is not the first time questions on financial statements and reports have been mentioned during our monthly meetings but there seems to be no positive response from the leadership, raising further concerns among members of this highly respected Christian organisation.”

“While calls for accountability have been ongoing, this latest demand seems to be the final trigger, according to a source. The PFN Secretariat building committee, appointed by the chairman after receiving the N15 million donation, has reportedly made minimal progress, with the most notable achievement being the erection of a signpost valued at approximately N3 million.

Members of the PFN Congress, a collective of pastors from diverse Pentecostal churches, have expressed apprehensions regarding the opaque nature of the Bayelsa State PFN Secretariat building’s ownership and financial management, citing a lack of transparency and accountability.

“A further concern is the recent appointment of the Director of Politics (DPG) by the PFN Chairman, which has sparked controversy. The chairman had previously removed the inaugural director, citing allegations of working with the PDP after accepting a role as the party’s prayer coordinator.

“However, in a surprising move, the same state chairman has appointed a replacement who serves as a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the incumbent governor and is an active member of the PDP in Bayelsa State, raising questions about consistency and impartiality,” our source said.

All attempts to reach the PFN Chairman for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to phone calls or text messages.