CAN asks RIM to remove the devil emoticon from smartphones
16 Aug 2011
Why do people feel the need to use this emoticon, if not for bad thing?
Lagos – The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has sent a petition to Research in Motion (RIM), the manufacturers of the popular Blackberry smartphone, over the inclusion of the Devil icon in Blackberry phones’ emoticons, also known as smileys.
Before sending the letter, the group embarked on a marathon series of dry fasting, holy-fire praying, and demon binding and as such were unavailable for comments as they were recuperating in private clinics.
A high-ranking insider of the Church said: “This smiley or what do you call it, it is the mark of the beast. Yes! How else do you explain it? People only use it as punctuation when they want to do bad, bad things! And we as Christian Soldiers are going to fight it.”
The group sent a strongly worded letter to RIM last week, but as of the time of filing this report they were yet to receive an official acknowledgement.
CAN however believe this is because RIM is in the process of re-tooling the emoticon application to be more acceptable, and once that is done, will respond with a complete apology.
A senior pastor of one of the more recognisable churches also spoke on the issue:
“This is what we are talking about. People in this country should learn from this and obey before questioning. What you don’t know is that we see things in the spirit that you cannot see. Yes ke! In fact, a broader letter asking all mobile phone operators to cease and desist from manufacturing phones with the number 6 is being drafted as we speak.”
When reminded that calculators, ATM cards, and computers all have the number 6, the Pastor demurred and said those machines have already been sanctified.
When reminded that the emoticons on Blackberry Phones also have an Angel Smiley, the Pastor angrily retorted “Did you go to bible school? Do you have Certificate? Do you have tailored coat and suit? Do you have endorsement with hair relaxer? Today it is Satan emoticon; tomorrow it will be juju emoticon. Where does it stop?”
At this point he walked away speaking in tongues, or cursing - it wasn’t clear which.
Wazobia Report is closely monitoring this developing story and will report on the outcome of the petition as soon as it is obtained.
- Falz Vueys