Lai Mohammed Urges T.B. Joshua to Remain in Nigeria

• Says Nigeria’s tourism will be affected if T.B. Joshua relocates to Israel

The Minister Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has urged the founder of Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Pastor Temitope  Balogun Joshua (T.B. Joshua) not  to relocate from Nigeria to Israel over what the pastor described as hostile environment. He disclosed this during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) held in Ikeja, Lagos.  The minister pleaded with T.B. Joshua to reconsider the decision as it would not be in the interest of Nigeria. He called for dialogue between the pastor and authorities over whatever challenges that 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.”

The founder SCOAN, Pastor TB Joshua had during church service on March 30, declared that he was pulling out of Nigeria to relocate to Israel over hostility to him and his ministry. He said: ““This is the most persecuted ministry in the world. Who are the people persecuting the ministry? My people, Africa.

“That is why I choose to live a lonely life. If you want to see me, come to this church. I don’t go out. It has not been easy – because I don’t know who is a friend or who is an enemy. If you learn T.B. Joshua is not around, I am in a revival. I live in the church here. I don’t have a house outside.

“What happened to me from the beginning of my ministry is enough to chase me out of this country – but I am still in your midst. Upon the persecution and hatred – I decided to follow the path of love. You show hatred; I show love. When I go for a revival, you will see the stadium full but I am not carried away by that. I leave where I’m celebrated to live where I’m persecuted.”