(TB Joshua Ministries)
The federal government of Nigeria has pleaded with popular Prophet Temitope B Joshua, , commonly known as TB Joshua, to reconsider his decision to relocate from this country.
The TV evangelist, who is founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), is reportedly moving to Israel, being quoted as saying, ‘This is where my Father in Heaven came from. It’s non-negotiable.’
Popular news site naij.com reports that the government, through the minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said such a move will not in the best of the country, as it will affect tourism in Nigeria.
The site reports that in a chat with journalists during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) in Ikeja, Lagos, the minister said Prophet Joshua’s decision was unfortunate.
He also called for dialogue between the prophet and the authorities over whatever challenges he was facing.
“That will be very unfortunate in the sense that if he does move out, it will affect our tourism in Nigeria. Pastor Joshua is an important person, he must bear with us.
“This is his country. If he moves out and go to South Africa (for example), the revenue will go to South Africa.
“It is better that Pastor Joshua sits down with the relevant authority and resolve whatever problem he has. If I have access to him this is exactly what I am going to tell him,” Mohammed said.
Joshua had said he was relocating to Israel allegedly because of a hostile environment, He also said Israel had given him land in a choice area to set up if he eventually comes to the country.
Accusations
According to Christian Today, TB Joshua is being sued by two South African children whose father died in the collapse of a guesthouse in 2014. Synagogue Church of All Nations, Joshua’s church, is also facing charges for criminal negligence. The six-storey guesthouse that collapsed did not have planning permission.
TB Joshua has himself not been charged but some of those responsible for the building face criminal charges, according to the BBC.
He has a very popular YouTube channel, TV network, social media presence and more. Yet he is a deeply controversial figure with many accusations against him.
By Paul Dennis
