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The popular global televangelist from Nigeria, Prophet TB Joshua would have been celebrating his 58th birthday on 12 June 2021, if he had not died on Saturday, 6 June 2021.


However, by what could be described as divine Providence during one of his most recent programmes, the globally recognized Prophet, who is well known for his philanthropic ventures, humility, and love for humanity instructed his followers, friends, and well-wishers to pray and reach out to the needy instead of travelling down to Nigeria to celebrate his birthday.


While the world mourns his sudden passage to the great beyond, some religious and traditional leaders have been celebrating the demise of the Prophet.



Some of his critics took to their social media page to call him names while others celebrate his death in their sanctuaries.


While the criticism and celebration of the death of the popular televangelist by the likes of the Ghana Juju priest, Nana Kwaku Bonsam, may be excused because of their understandings is darkened, criticism coming from Christian leaders could be quite disturbing.


These reactions from TB Joshua's critics could apparently imply there is division in the body of Christ.


The Bible did not in any of its books enjoined Christians to rejoice over the death of anyone not to talk of someone professing Christ.

The book of Ezekiel Chapter 18:23 (NLT) says:

“Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign LORD. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live."



It is not clear where these Christians Leaders, celebrating the passing of TB Joshua got their scriptural backing from.



Prominent among these Christian clerics are:

A Senior Pastor of Divine Mercy Church, Olatobiloba Peters has disclosed that God revealed to him that TB Joshua was not in heaven.



He reportedly said though TB Joshua was a good man and one of the greatest philanthropists of our time, the things of the spirit are different from how many see things.


“God showed me in a revelation at night that Temitope Joshua did not make it to heaven. In that revelation, I saw that he could not make it because the powers he was using were not from God, this is what was revealed to me." Pastor Olatobiloba Peters said



In the same vein, Rev. Chris Okotie, the Senior Pastor of the Household of God Church, took to his Facebook page to celebrate the death of the founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nation's (SCOAN).


"The wizard at Endor who assumed the title Emmanuel has been consumed by divine indignation. And now his disciples bewail his ignominious exit

”Jesus our mighty gladiator has broken the head of the dragon with his mighty blows." Okotie said



Chris Okotie equally took a swipe at Prophet TB Joshua's followers by comparing them with Lucifer's followers.



”No marvel, one-third of God’s angels followed the disgraced anointed cherub Lucifer!!" Chris Okotie added.



Similarly, the Senior Pastor of Christian Life Church, Jackson Senyonga, whose church is located in Kampala, Uganda, described TB Joshua as the “biggest witch in Africa.”


Jackson Senyonga made the remark while addressing his members in Uganda.

that TB Joshua's death was a victory for Nigerians and Africans.



He also alleged that TB Joshua has sacrificed many.



“TB Joshua’s death means victory, he was fake, destroyed lives of thousands, and was the biggest witch in Africa.” He alleged.



Meanwhile, the senior pastor of The Awaiting The Second Coming of Christ Ministry, Adewale Giwa has sent a message to the late Prophet TB Joshua's critics.



He reminded them that as far as this world is concerned, death is inevitable.


He equally said that their insinuations and counter-allegations against the late TB Joshua are immaterial as only God can judge him.



“As long as we are still in this sinful world, death is inevitable. Whatever anybody assumes, presumes or insinuates concerning the deceased does not hold water.



“However, Only God has the final word. According to Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 4:4, For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges. Let us examine ourselves to see whether or not we are in the faith,” Pastor Giwa said



From the above scripture, it is clear that the Bible did not instruct Christians to judge others, rather it instructs them to examine themselves.



The Book of James Chapter 4 verses 11-12 equally warns against condemning people.

It equally warned Christians to desist from judging people as God is the only true judge when it comes to spiritual matters and relationship with the supreme being.



"Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? (James Chapter 4:11-12).



So, why were these Christian leaders quick to judge Prophet TB Joshua for performing miracles and good works in the name of Jesus Christ?



These Christian leaders believe that such great miracles manifested through the ministry of Prophet TB Joshua were not of God.


But why won't they hid under the guidance of the Bible and allow God to judge him and reward him accordingly by exercising patience until the last day to see and know who is true and who is false?



By their expressed disposition, they are invariably saying there are higher powers that could do such mighty works than the power of God expressed in the Bible.


This could also infer that their Christianity is questionable for doubting such great works as demonstrated by TB Joshua's Ministry.



Recall that in the Book of John Chapter 14 verse 12, Jesus said that his followers are expected to do even much than he did while here on earth.



"Verily Verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do, shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do because I go unto my father." (John 14:2)



How comes only a few tend to be working in this light and why is it difficult for some Christian leaders to accept that it is God that is manifesting His powers through the ones demonstrating signs and wonders?



There is the need to remind such Christians and Christian leaders that true Christianity is in the demonstration of the power of God and not in the eloquence of speech.

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1Corinthians Chapter 2 verse 1-5,

When I came to you, brothers, I didn’t come with excellence of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.

For I determined not to know anything among you, except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.

My speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of human wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power that your faith wouldn’t stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.



It is also pertinent to recall what the Bible says in the Book of Mark 16 vs 17-18



"And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name, they shall cast out devils, they shall speak with new tongues, they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them, they shall lay hands on the sick, they shall recover."


In other words, if a matured Christian, ( that is a General Overseer, a Senior Pastor, a Spiritual Father, etc) is not manifesting the above-mentioned traits in the Book of Mark and Corinthians, it is the Christianity of such superintendent that should be questioned.



Prophet TB Joshua is among a couple of few proclaimed Christian superintendent who seems to be working in the light of the above scriptures by demonstrating the power of God to the bewilderment of many.


Here are some Bible scriptures to help and guide Christians and others who are quick to judge and condemn others.


Ephesians 4:29 (New International Version)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.



Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.



Titus 3:2 (English Standard Version)

To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.



Matthew 7:1-5 (English Standard Version)

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.



James 1:26

(English Standard Version)

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.



Proverbs 11:12

(English Standard Version)

Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.



Romans 2:1, (New International Version)

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgement do the same things."

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Sheikh Gumi after his tour and dialogue with the notorious bandits within Nigeria Northern state has been campaigning for the Nigerian government to negotiate with the notorious bandits for some time now.

He is equally advocating for amnesty for the dare-devil bandits with whom he empathises.

"I've spoken with them (bandits) face-to-face and they're ready to lay down their arms if their conditions are fulfilled, and I find all conditions they gave as justifiable," Gumi was reported to have said.

With the Islamic Scholar on this delicate issue is the highly revered former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo.



In a joint communiqué, the duo, former president Obasanjo and Sheikh Gumi made public what they feel is the solution to banditry in Nigeria.

In the statement, the two leaders declared that the only means through which the menace of banditry, kidnapping and ransom payment could be overcome in Nigeria is for the federal government to "wean those who are ready to be weaned out of the bushes and crime, settle and rehabilitate them, give them skills, empower them and let them have employment".

Recall that Sheikh Gumi had said that it was his role and that of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo that culminated in the release of the remaining 27 students of Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation Afaka in Kaduna State after spending 7 weeks in the enclaves of the dare-devil bandits.

The bandits demanded then the staggering sum of N500 million as a ransom for the release of the Afaka students kidnapped on 11 March 2021.

Contrarily to the duo, Governor El Rufai of kaduna State considering the perpetual torture and nightmare the notorious bandits have for no just cause, subjected innocent Nigerians to, has recommended that the notorious bandits should be wiped out completely.



According to Governor El Rufai, bandits do not deserve to live. He completely ruled out forgiveness and pardon as a respite for the dare-devil bandits on several occasions.

“Bandits have lost their right to life under the constitution and must be wiped out entirely.

“We must go into these forests; nobody living in that forest is innocent and just kill them all. It is the only way to end this.” He said.

El Rufai equally, charged the Nigerian security forces to collaborate and take the war to the notorious bandits.

“Our security forces must collaborate to take the war to them, recover and restore the un-governed forests these terrorists occupy, and enable our law-abiding citizens to engage in their legitimate pursuits, including farming and livestock production, without fear.” El Rufai said.

However, Governor Masari of Katsina State while not submitting himself wholly to Sheikh Gumi and his bandwagons, call for total war on bandits but with the caveat, a kind of carrot-stick approach, with provisions for repentant bandits who surrenders all their weaponry to be pardoned, rehabilitated and reintegrated back into the society, not minding the countless heinous crimes against humanity the repentant bandits may have committed in time past.



“Government is always ready to receive, forgive and rehabilitate repentant bandits, as long as they surrender all the arms and ammunition in their possession, but it is not up to us to romance them,” Masari was reported to have said.

Recall that Governor Masari’s initial dialogue-parley with the hoodlums turned sour and Katsina State is still reaping the consequence to date.

However, two months back, four bandits’ leaders had already come forth to surrender and tender various lethal weapons they have used to unleash untold terror on the Katsina people and her neighbouring environment to the Katsina State Police Command.

While briefing pressmen on the development sometimes back, Katsina Police Chief, CP Sanusi Buba made known the joint decision of security agencies and the Masari led government to rehabilitate and reabsorb notorious bandits who claim to have repented back into the society.

“The security agencies in conjunction with the state government would as soon as possible, embark on the process of re-orientation and rehabilitation of these gentlemen that surrendered their weapons.

“This is designed to integrate them into society and make them better citizens.” The commissioner of police said.



Most recently, the Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs in Zamfara state, Garba Dauran said the amnesty programme for bandits terrorising the state is yielding result as over 200 weapons were surrendered by the criminals lately.



Contributing to the development, when over 2000 prisoners were set loose by hoodlums in Owerri Imo State, IPOB Chief, Nnamdi Kanu, in his usual characteristics, sarcastically declared that indeed no Nigerian deserves to be allowed to languish in prison since bandits with all their atrocities against humanity could be freed, rehabilitated and reintegrated back into the society by the Nigerian government.



“If Miyetti Allah terror herdsmen & other murderous #Fulani groups, including Boko Haram insurgents, can be arrested, freed and rehabilitated by this neo-colonial Fulanised @NGRPresident, then no single soul deserves to be in any prison in Nigeria. If you know you know! #UGM.” Nnamdi Kanu tweeted.

However, Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello had vowed earlier never to negotiate with bandits again as the previous attempt failed to turn out well, with the bandit not holding to the terms of the bargain. But unlike his other counterpart, he did not state if he would support pardon, rehabilitation and reintegration into the society for bandits who repents and surrenders all their weapons to the Nigerian security forces.



“To be honest, even when the process of negotiation was being advised, I agreed to it. I have attended one meeting where the bandits were there and I cannot imagine myself as a governor and chief security officer of a state sitting down and negotiating with them,” Governor Sani Bello said.

Meanwhile, barely one month ago, the Niger State Governor cried out that the more deadly Boko Haram sect have encroached into his teritory and have hoisted their flags in some villages.



"Their towns have been taken over by bandits and Boko Haram elements... Their wives have been seized from them and forcefully attached to Boko Haram members," the governor said.



"I am confirming that we have Boko Haram elements in Niger State, around Kaure. They have taken over the territory... They have installed their flag," the governor said

"The Boko Haram elements are trying to use this area as their home, just as they did in Sambisa. Sambisa is hundreds of kilometers away from Abuja. But Kaure is less than two hours drive to Abuja. So nobody is safe anymore... Not even Abuja is safe," Governor Bello warned.



The question on the mind of many out there is:

What is the assurance that rehabilitating and reintegrating these dare-devil bandits into the Nigerian society is not another leeway to revisit Nigerians and the Nigerian public space with a new trend of terror?

Below are some of the responses elicited from Nigerians who pledge for anonymity:

“I am so amazed how Sheikh Gumi can be saying that bandits should be granted amnesty. He is an Islamic scholar and there is no such provision under Sharia law that repentant criminals should not face the wrath of the law. Somebody else should be advocating that not an Islamic scholar please.”

“Those heartless bandits cannot be rehabilitated. They are already used to killing and demanding a huge sum of money from their captives. They can only be a nuisance to the society. Annihilation is the way to go.”

“Hmmm…rehabilitating these hardened criminals and reintegrating them back into the society can only mean one thing, which is politicians would from time to time use them against perceived enemies and make the lives of their enemies miserable. That is what their rehabilitation and reintegration back into society could mean; nothing more.”

How about you?

What is your stance on this very delicate issue polarizing the nation?

Should repentant bandits be wiped out or rehabilitated and reintegrated back into the society?

Kindly state your stance in the comment box and share with others too.

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