If you ask most Christian who in their opinion are the most unspiritual workers or ministers in the church, they will most likely tell you the choristers. This is because aside from the general overseer and his nuclear family, the choristers are the most visible members or celebrities of the church whose conduct often attract suspensions. Their musical talents draw the type of interest and sensual admiration from the opposite sex like secular musicians. So, when I read about Sammie Okposo’s sexcapade in the United States, I was not surprised. I remembered the temptations and happenings in my days as a chorister. But I also remembered my reluctance to become a Pastor because among other things I did not see myself pure or disciplined enough to occupy that exalted office that many accept with levity or with the accruable benefits in mind.

Sammie Okposo was born on the 30th of May 1971. He is a music producer, vocalist, and CEO of Zamar Entertainment for those who do not know him well. He released his first album Addicted in 2004 and has collaborated with many other artists in the gospel and soul music fields. He has performed regularly in many African, European, and US states where he got himself entangled not too long ago. His most recent album, The Statement (2018), was produced by the Grammy-winning Kevin Bond. In the more than two decades that Sammy Okposo has been a Gospel artiste, he has won multiple awards every year since 1994. From his exploits in Nollywood movie soundtracks to his gospel mega-hit Jesus I Thank You Wellu Wellu, Sammy Okposo has distinguished himself as a Gospel musician. However, like they say, to whom much is given much is expected.

There have been many accusations of how ministers of the Gospel misbehave whenever they travel abroad. But few have caught the attention of the public as Sammie Okposo’s case. As a gospel minister, you represent not just yourself, family, ministry, and nation, but the Host of Heaven. Hence, you must act accordingly. The fact that Sammie is married adds another dimension to his misdemeanor. However, for me who cannot claim sainthood because of my understanding of his position as a successful celebrity, I am perplexed by his indiscretion of having unprotected sex. When you think of the number of incurable sexually transmitted diseases and the fact that he can easily get infected and transmit them to his wife, you begin to have less sympathy for his weakness that many will say is human. Many wives have been sentenced to terminal illness because of such callous indiscretion by their husbands. I often wonder how lucky Nigeria’s Baby Mama producers like Tuface, Davido, and Wizkid are with their penchant for skin to skin. Sammie Okposo operates under different rules and expectations, if you have accepted the sacred call to be a minister of the Gospel of Christ, know you must be Christlike. Anything less is unacceptable.

Ata Ukuta, Editor – Towncryyers