Prosperity preachers are encouraging corruption, stealing —C&S Spiritual Head, Abidoye

THE spiritual head and chairman of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide Ayo Ni O, Most Reverend (Dr) Adefila Abidoye, on Friday said clergymen preaching prosperity and riches were encouraging corruption and stealing among government officials and politicians.

He said there was need for clergymen to de-emphasise the acquisition of money and material wealth in their sermon and messages to their congregation.

Abidoye spoke in Osogbo, Osun State capital, while addressing a press conference as part of the activities, commemorating the 50th golden jubilee anniversary of Cherubim & Seraphim Movement Church, Osogbo District Headquarters.

According to him, “some Christians are money monger. We should not trust in money, but put our trust in God and be contented with whatever we have. Clergymen preaching prosperity are encouraging corruption and stealing in government”.

“Christians should remember that money cannot carry them to heavenly kingdom, only their faith can make them qualify to be candidate of heavenly kingdom. Nigerians should attach less priority to craze for money and material acquisitions”, Abidoye stated.

Commenting on the killings, being perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen in some parts of the country, the clergy decried the development, stressing that “the worrisome menace of Fulani herdsmen is inimical to the food security of Nigeria”.

Recalling the hitherto healthy relationship between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in the olden days, Abidoye said “long before now farmers used to give yams to herdsmen, who used to graze their cattle in the bush, while the herdsmen gave in return wildlife animals killed in course of their grazing. Nowadays, the Fulani herdsmen cows and cattle are destroying farm, while the herdsmen themselves kills farmers at will”.

While expressing his support for the anti corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari led administration, the clergy said Nigerians, irrespective of religion, ethnic and political divide should pray fervently for the health of Mr President.