General overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has been criticised by some Nigerians for accusing the federal government of meddling in church matters.
Pastor Adeboye has urged members of RCCG to register as card-carrying members of political parties ahead 2019 general elections.
Adeboye, made the accusation on Sunday, December 8, at the Redemption Camp, Kilometre 46, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun state, in reaction to a regulation by the Financial Regulatory Council of Nigeria, (FRCN) which stipulates 20 years tenure for heads of religious groups and civil society groups in the country.
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The cleric had said the government has been showing increasing interest in church affairs, especially against the RCCG.
He disclosed that other fresh laws had been enacted by the government to ruffle the feathers of the church in the country, with a particularly targeted at the RCCG.
Adeboye also urged members of RCCG to register as card-carrying members of political parties ahead 2019 general elections.
But some Nigerians opposed to the cleric’s view accused him of inciting Nigerians against the federal government.
Others called on Adeboye obey the laws of the land and stop making excuses for pastors who had turn the church into a money making business.
Another group reminded the cleric that the regulation by FRCN restricting the tenure of pastors was passed during the tenure of Goodluck Jonathan who is a Christian.
See reactions below:
Fowowe Titilopemi: "If indeed he said this, I don't know what to say pastors must lead by examples.it is either they practice real Christianity or nothing else.If they choose to run profit-making businesses let them pay tax like others.why hide businesses under church and expect government to keep quiet while many of them daily condemn the government.let government leave them alone but be sure to collect tax.churches must face reality and stop spreading falsehood.The law is not new and it applies to everyone.why must Pentecostal churches be crying more than the bereaved????.If you tell us in church to obey the laws of the land.it is applicable to all."
Oladiji Abiola Dada suggested that the laws were put in place to check the commercialization of churches.
He said: "This is what happens when churches start getting enmeshed in politics. You can't eat your cake and have it. Govt is well aware that this mega business outfits all operating as churches and feeding on the frustrated desires of thousands and millions of poor Nigerians are nothing but opportunist machines. Of course this is not inclusive of the good and honest churches out there who have no say in the scheme of political theatrics going on.
"Govt is the mirror of the society, the greatest denominator of all intrigues and surely the greatest mafia clique. They know who is who and what is what because they are the ones who cooks up the illicit complicity that remains veiled to the ordinary eye.
"Did anyone hear the other clerics complain?? Nay!! Me think not. They know it's sensible to keep the diaper dry for the sake of the babies behind . It's crunch time for those who misbehave. Least I forget, was the Vice President not a top official of the RCCG? Lol"
Ande Isaiah Mhenuter described Pastor Adeboye's comment as inciting.
READ ALSO: FRCN law will weaken Nigerian churches - CAN
He said: "If he truly say this, then it is unnecessary. This kind of incitement against the state is unchristian. Laws are to be obeyed no matter who you are. The funny thing is that these people go abroad and comply 100% with those laws there but come back to Nigeria to whip up religious and ethnic sentiments when faced with the same thing."
On his part, Ali Sulyman 'explained that President Muhammdu Buhari had nothing to do with the laws restricting the tenure of pastors since the laws were passed during the tenure of GEJ.
He said: "In accordance with Section 50 of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act, 2011, which among other things requires the Directorate of Corporate Governance to develop the principles and practices of Corp Governance applicable in Nigeria, the Council hereby releases the National Code of Corporate Governance effective 17th October, 2016' This is the Act that was enacted in 2011. A 'Christian' was the president when it was enacted. "
"His name is Goodluck Ebele Jonathan from Bayelsa state. The National Assembly was headed by another 'Christian' from Benue state, David Bonaventure Mark. It was to take effect in 2016. Now, let us answer these simple questions: (1) How can the present government of President Buhari be held responsible for an Act enacted in 2011 when he only assumed office in 2015? (2) Was the National Assembly headed by a Muslim in 2011? (3) If the Church falls under the 'Non-profit-mak ing' category as it does, how is that Buhari's fault?
Suleiman Olax also criticised the cleric saying: "Haha adeboye I respect u a lot despatch d fact am a Muslim, if it true u said dis sir am sorry u are ......, whr were u den wen Jonathan nd mark start it nd u can come out nd let ur follower to know d repercussions of wat they are doing. .... nd is it buhari that ask d church to fall under business venture nd is e d one dat ask u pastors to b exhorting ur poor follower"
Mansur Lawal: "Called on the church to obey the laws, he said The RCCG is a registered company under CAC just like all other private business organisation nt as a religious institution so they must obey the law.
Mo' Popoola said "Man of God my foot. He isn't even Christ like. Jesus was never materialistic and didn't need luxury to preach the Gospel.
"Jesus was meek and gentle. He thought before he spoke. He was compassionate and never encouraged his followers to seek vanity."
Mo' Popoola: "The law affects all Not for Profit Organizations. It affects Churches, mosques, educational institutions, NGOs etc."
Witness Udoekwere: "What was Papa Adeboye expecting to see after he and other Christians deliberately voted against Jonathan."
Evergreen Evergreen: "'In accordance with Section 50 of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act, 2011, which among other things requires the Directorate of Corporate Governance to develop the principles and practices of Corp Governance applicable in Nigeria, the Council hereby releases the National Code of Corporate Governance effective 17th October, 2016' This is the Act that was enacted in 2011. A 'Christian' was the president when it was enacted.
His name is Goodluck Ebele Jonathan from Bayelsa state. The National Assembly was headed by another 'Christian' from Benue state, David Bonaventure Mark. It was to take effect in 2016. Now, let us answer these simple questions: (1) How can the present government of President Buhari be held responsible for an Act enacted in 2011 when he only assumed office in 2015? (2) Was the National Assembly headed by a Muslim in 2011? (3) If the Church falls under the 'Non-profit-mak ing' category as it does, how is that Buhari's fault?"
Ope Shadrach: "No be Christian president Jonathan and Christian Senate President David Mark do ham abi na Buhari again?yeye dey smell keep worshiping Jonathan now sebi na una hero. nonsense."
Dexter Sammy said:"God Himself Is Behind This New Law, He Has Seen From Heaven, How Nigerian Pastors Serve Themselves In The Name Of Church, They Say Its Non Profit Organisation, But Go About Riding Private Jets, They Collect Poor Peoples Money, Brainwash Them, Scare Them With Threats Of Imaginary God's Wrath, Use Their Donations To Build Schools & Turn Around To Ban Them From Attending Until They Pay Heavy Fees.
The Recession Is Not Affecting Them, & God Is Answering The Prayers Of The Poor & Innocent Whom They Have Brainwashed By Raising This Law Against Them. Let Them Resign Without Complaining If The Church Is Not Their Private Property. The Law Did'nt Say They Should Stop Preaching, It Says They Should Stop Runing The Church Finance, Simple! I Dont Have Problems With That."
What is your take on the issue, was Pastor Adeboye wrong to have accused the federal government of of meddling in church matters?