In a heartfelt statement, former Nigerian footballer Sani Emmanuel has issued a public apology following a controversial interview in which he expressed regret over his association with the late Prophet TB Joshua.
Emmanuel’s comments had sparked widespread backlash, particularly from followers of TB Joshua and the Synagogue Church of All Nations.
“Good morning everyone. My name is Sanni Emmanuel,” he began, addressing the issue head-on. “A lot has been going on, on the internet concerning the interview I made live with Mr. Lil Gaga.
I understand the anger of my people, the Synagogue family. I want to use this medium to say I am very sorry and I take my words back, saying I regret meeting T.B. Joshua or that T.B. Joshua stole my money. That wasn’t the idea or the plan.”
Emmanuel revealed that his contentious remarks were made during a particularly vulnerable time. “Two days before that call, I just got out of depression which almost took my own life, God forbid. I believe God would never allow me to do such, and the reason for all this is because a lot of things have been happening in my life,” he explained.
He emphasized his strong ties with the Synagogue community and his respect for TB Joshua, dismissing any notion that he was against the late prophet.
“Everybody knows me in the squad, everybody knows how I was taking everybody along. I don’t do things alone. I was always around people and people are always around me. Saying I am against my own father, No, Never.”
Emmanuel also suggested that the interview setting contributed to his unfortunate statements. “Maybe because Mr. Lil Gaga was trying to use the advantage for me to say what I wasn’t supposed to say, but I would say to you that I was just coming out of very serious issues,” he said, indicating the interview was conducted during a time of personal crisis.
Despite his struggles, Emmanuel expressed gratitude for his improving condition and the support of his loved ones. “Now, thank God and to the glory of God I am getting better. People have been calling, and people are here with me, my cousins, my brothers—all of them are here in the house with me. In fact, I have been on treatment, on drips.”
He concluded his apology by asking for forgiveness from those he may have offended. “A lot of things have gone wrong, a lot of things happened. So, I am very sorry for those words. Please find it in your heart to forgive me. Don’t judge me; everybody has problems, and I believe God will help us to solve our problems, in Jesus’ name.”
“Thank you very much and God bless you,” Emmanuel signed off, hoping to mend the rift his previous statements had caused.
