In a recent exposé by the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, shedding light on the late philanthropic preacher TB Joshua, Nigerians find themselves grappling with a spectrum of emotions and opinions.
The investigation, delving into various aspects of the renowned preacher’s life and activities, has ignited a fervent discourse across the nation.
From admiration to scepticism, Nigerians share their thoughts on the revelations brought to light by the in-depth report.
The report on the late philanthropic preacher who died on June 5, 2021, scrutinises past allegations and criticisms, prompting a re-evaluation of the preacher’s public image.
As Nigerians and the global audience grapple with these revelations, the intricacies of TB Joshua’s life become subjects of intense debate.
In the wake of the report, diverse reactions have surfaced from Nigerians, reflecting a range of emotions and opinions. Admirers of TB Joshua commend his benevolence and impactful contributions, while sceptics question certain aspects of his legacy, urging a closer examination of the preacher’s actions.
The BBC spoke with at least thirty former employees and members of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) as part of the inquiry.
The now-deceased SCOAN founder’s covert lifestyle was exposed in the three-part series. It told graphic tales of rape, abuse, deception, and staged healings. The BBC was informed by sources that although the church was aware of all the accusations, it never looked into them. They said that more than 20 years passed during the sexual offence.
A section of the video exposed how SCOAN hid the truth from its members over the 2014 collapse of one of the church’s guesthouses. A brief footage of the building with what appeared to be an aircraft flying over it was presented to members on Emmanuel TV on many occasions.
The BBC discovered that dead bodies were moved in SCOAN ambulances and that people had been dismembered beneath the debris in order to hide the truth of the tragedy from the media and preserve TB Joshua’s and the church’s reputations.
TB Joshua’s sexual exploitation survivors described how, while knowing that their relationship with “daddy” was cruel, they were coerced into silence and treated like objects.
These ladies were under TB Joshua’s tutelage. Several women told stories of his molestation and rape. One of the ladies told the BBC that she and a few other women who first protested his assault were frightened into submission.
Nigerians React on X
Nigerias have taken to social media platform X to express their reactions.
One @Shadaya_knight tweeted and said: “Whether TB Joshua is guilty of the things he is being accused of or not. Every African should question why the BBC would do a documentary on an African pastor yet not do the same for a European/American billionaire who had a whole island as a hunting ground for paedophiles
We are yet to even see or hear a documentary about the alleged atrocities of the royal family as alleged by the late Princess Diana. Why should the BBC write or narrate African stories?”
Another X user with the handle @TheAjibolaGrey said: “You and that TB Joshua that you are defending, it won’t be well with the both of you.”
@Chaplinez70 said: “If the @BBCWorld documentary on TB Joshua is anything to go by, people in the guise of “men of God” deceiving true seekers of him, must have a special place in hell for the harm that they have caused or are causing. Stop equating pastors to God. It’s idol worshipping.”
Below are other reactions on X:
