So much sentimentalism and sensationalism around religiosity and religion.

The video speaks volume but of course religious folks will not even take anything out of it even if they listen to the entire 1hr plus video.

Its simple. The so called "churches" are registered under Federal Government of Nigeria under CAMA as companies, probably NGO or charity organisations for which many claim they are not charity organisations when it comes to assisting even their own members; not to talk of those not their members. If the FGN decides to regulate the activities of these companies for better transparency i see no issues. Personally, the only issue i see is the clause "without recourse to court" which is quite draconian. But setting up committees to oversee the affairs of these company is welcome.

Again this act will absolutely not affect the church. Many mistake the church with the company (which has a name and many branches). Christians have spent too much time building companies rather than The Church. So we now confuse company with church. You cannot imagine the scale of corruption that will be exposed should this law take full effect; i believe this is what the MOG's are fighting against.

My 50cents.

helinues:
If the churches are not ready to abide by the law of the land, they should be deregistered

That also will not stop the church.

asanwafo:
How many project have they done for the people apart from expanding the coast of their businesses?

Don't let hatred becloud your sense of reasoning. Do a little research.

The church sponsor most charitable organizations in Nigeria. They donated more reliefs than any other organization or individual during this covid19 period. Some churches have been responsible for road constructions, donation of schools, health facilities, etc.

Considering they are using funds FREELY donated to them, unlike the government that clearly eats what they forcefully take from the land.

Don't let hatred overwrite your reasoning.

[quote author=Ologbojo2023 post=93194909] you're missing it what applicable to churches should also apply to mosques. Shikana[/quote

It is my brother..... It apply to church and mosque.

Pot dey call kettle black
Shebi Erelu don open their yatch
Birds of the same feathers

Offpoint:

Church maintenance, evangelism, sponsored orphans and windows children in school.

where then does these pastors have their money to acquire and maintain their private jets

Offpoint:

Church maintenance, evangelism, sponsored orphans and windows children in school.

Private jets for evangelism

NaMeAboki:
Simply put; Bishop Oyedepo is a religious and tribal bigot who thrives on preaching hatred and division to his gullible flock rather than peace and unity in accordance with his calling as a man of God.

He is lying to say CAMA is exclusively targeted at the Church because it isn't ; the law included not only the Church but also all other religious and non governmental organisations (NGOs) without bias.

On the other hand, the bigot would rather abide by the same types of laws for his Church branches in Europe and America but would not succumb to do same in his own country - what a hypocrite!

He apparently represents a growing number of sub-Saharan pastors who amass a tremendous amount of wealth against the contrasting backdrop of poverty among their increasing followers; contrary to their counterparts in the said Europe and America.

It is therefore not hard to read meaning into his strong opposition to this law - because the days of fleecing their flocks to support such flamboyantly lavish jetset lifestyle on display by some of them may soon be over.

I think you are missing the point. The Bishop's concerns are that, "Na from clap we dey enter dance". If the Bishop gets NGN200m in a year how much will his tax be from the point of Personal Income? Let's say NGN50m. How does that stop him from living well? His worries are that a government that is seemingly intolerant to other religions and uninterested in the welfare of Christians has been trying to tamper with the structure of Christianity for sometime. Not too long ago, we almost had a law that targeted the founders of Churches and almost wanted to replace them, hate speech bill came because some leaders didn't like the fact they were challenged by leaders from the pulpits, now we are talking about regulating a Church by unbelievers who don't understand what a Church is even all about.

See below:

The most disturbing aspect according to concerned Nigerians, especially Christians, is in Part C, sections 1 and 839 (1). The section thus appears to give the CAC (through a Registrar-General), wide powers to appoint or remove trustees (politically) to oversee the Church, hence the probability of these appointees who may not be of like faith, being used capriciously.

Shouldn't a responsible Government that has genuine concerns about the running of Churches and other organizations invite key stakeholders of the umbrella bodies of organizations concerned so that they can have a fair opportunity to give their reasons on why and how the document can be improved? Would getting their buy in not help reduce compliance costs? Why do we always copy civilized countries in an half baked manner?

What value is this part of the CAMA going to add to Nigerians? Will it end insecurity in the NE or transform our economy? NDDC has been overseen by the Presidency for years, what has changed? When did Government start overseeing spiritual activities? Is this another attempt to create work for another agency of Government to guzzle taxpayers money?
This is considering the backlash that this decision will generate in a country like Nigeria. Let me remind you that Nigeria is one of the most religious countries in the world. How do I know? A case in point, we had riots because someone drew a cartoon of a highly revered Prophet in a far away country. Yes, that's how religious Nigerians can be.

I do not see what value appointing a Christian as a Trustee in a Mosque management would bring and vice versa. Why can't we allow people to drink water and keep cup?

ELibraryNG:
CAMA Policy is what the church get for keeping quiet in the face of tyranny

I'm telling you, their docility and stupidity of thinking they could play a "friend association" approach with the government led them to this point. The Church knows you can never be friends with the Devil but they failed to realize that the government is the stooge of the Devil in town. The Church for years has been taking the stupid approach of IF WE DON'T INTERFERE IN THE AFFAIRS OF GOVERNMENT, THEY WON'T INTERFERE IN OURS. IF WE LEAVE THEM ALONE, THEY WILL LEAVE US ALONE. How is that working out now? With the wealth and membership strength that Churches wield in Nigeria, they should be a critical factor to determine who rules this country, politicians should be stampeding on themselves rolling on floor pressing their heads trying to kiss the feet of the Church for the favors to get political power. Churches need to start speaking out about the rot governance and government to their wicked faces of the crooks in power. Churches need to start mobilizing their members and telling them to vote for thieves and wickedness, don't vote for evil candidates, these people So and So is who they should vote for (mention their names and parties and credentials and standing, campaign for them from their platforms). You will see how they will adjust and know that the Church isn't here to play. Are Churches not made up of citizens, so they have a right and a say in the political direction and composition of their society. What's the worst they will do, send DSS or EFCC or assassins after Church? What's new in that. Have they not been hostile to the Church all along? And for people who might think, oh why is this guy advocating or defending the church only, is the church the only religous body in Nigeria. Well, it's because I'm not a Muslim or Traditionalist, so I'm not in the best position to speak for such things I know little or nothing about. But trust me, this thing might be majorly targeted at the Church, but it will crush the religious freedom of every single religion. So this fight is not a fight for Church so to speak, this fight is a fight for religous freedoms. It is our fundamental human rights. Govt has no right to determine or instruct is on how we worship or conduct our religious activities so long as out religous activities don't pose any mortal danger to society. Religion is not the problem of Nigeria. CORRUPTION is the major problem of Nigeria. The govt should concentrate whatever grey matter left in their skull to fixing that first. Bunch of crooks!

Christians and the church are supposed to obey the laws of the land and constituted authorities. Remember, the Bible says, give unto Caeser what belongs to Caeser and onto God what belongs to God. It also admonishes believers to respect constituted authorities for God is the one that put those holding authorities there. I don't see reason why the church should try to resist the laws/rules of the land set by the government. The government once asked all religious organizations (churches, mosques, etc not to hold worship services in churches and mosques because of COVID-19, they all adhered; there wasn't much complain about that. Now, the government is saying that there should be financial transparency and accountability to the church and government, and pastors are trying to resist this. Did the Bible say the church should resist government laws? Did the given law says Christians should no longer serve and worship God?

paxonel:

S C A M

...Better SCaM

XXXXTENTACION:
Nowadays the ways some churches are being run like business centers.

it becomes more interesting to see pastors building mansions, buying private jets, and living in luxury while their members leave in abject poverty but anyway Jesus lived a humble life.



in developed climes churches are registered and regulated i don't know what all this fuss is about

Name one Church, the government controls anywhere in the world, and can remove the General Oversee and appoint anyone they like.

The Nigerian government haven't been able to control it companies, it is Church they want to come and control, Or are the congregation complaining?

zebra:
Christians and the church are supposed to obey the laws of the land and constituted authorities. Remember, the Bible says, give unto Caeser what belongs to Caeser and under God what belongs to God. It also admonishes believers to respect constituted authorities for God is the one that put them there. I don't see reason why the church is trying to resist the laws/rules of the land set by the government. The government asked all religions (Christianity and Islam) to abstain from holding services in churches and mosques because of COVID-19, there wasn't much complain about it, but coming to being financially accountable to the church and government now, they are trying to form resistance.

In Somalia, where they are not allowed to preach the gospel or read the Bible they should throw their bibles away? Abi the Government in Somalia nor follow for the Caesar?
Why do you people like quoting scriptures upside down? I think in Africa, we should learn to read a bit before contributing on any matter.

See below:

The most disturbing aspect according to concerned Nigerians, especially Christians, is in Part C, sections 1 and 839 (1). The section thus appears to give the CAC (through a Registrar-General), wide powers to appoint or remove trustees (politically) to oversee the Church, hence the probability of these appointees who may not be of like faith, being used capriciously.

This is Karma @ its finest. When church members are killed all over the country the same church is mute. Now they have hit you where it hurts the most. Even Christ said don't store up treasure where thieves can break in..... same way it is said that a man's heart is where his treasure is. Clearly the pastors' hearts are not in winning souls or spreading the gospel.

helinues:
If the churches are not ready to abide by the law of the land, they should be deregistered

Oil dey your head brother
They need to consider deregistration instead

helinues:
If the churches are not ready to abide by the law of the land, they should be deregistered

If they like, let them de register us, the church will still hold.
the Muslims are acting like they don't care but when a Christian will be appointed to oversee the mosque by then you people will be looking for whom to bomb and kill.

helinues:


Should that be the right question to ask at this time...

Let's see how government will oversee church income and then we can determine the level of transparency.

No going back about this...

The government should oversee church income? were you dropped on your head as a child?

Let them CAMA mosques and shrines 1st

zebra:
Christians and the church are supposed to obey the laws of the land and constituted authorities. Remember, the Bible says, give unto Caeser what belongs to Caeser and under God what belongs to God. It also admonishes believers to respect constituted authorities for God is the one that put them there. I don't see reason why the church is trying to resist the laws/rules of the land set by the government. The government asked all religions (Christianity and Islam) to abstain from holding services in churches and mosques because of COVID-19, there wasn't much complain about it, but coming to being financially accountable to the church and government now, they are trying to form resistance.

Laws are what they are laws. Laws are made for people, people were not made for laws. The Laws must serve the people, not people serving the law. Because when people serve the law, then it is the highest form of tyrannical government. America once discriminated against Black people, not just any black people but their very own black citizens. IT WAS THE LAW. Was that right? Should such laws be followed? APARTHEID was THE LAW in South Africa, is that right, should such laws be "obeyed"? During colonization era across the world, oppression was the law, oppression by the colonialists on the colonized was THE LAW, it was legal, but was it right? So if the murder becomes legal by LAW, you will be pleased to obey when someone else murders you for fun? After all, it is the law and you must obey it. People that had brain and had sense and had the will power to speak up against wicked laws are the reason you are enjoying whatever freedoms you have in this world. Wake up please!

PS: oh I forgot to add, do you know that SLAVERY was once THE LAW in this world, and it was perfectly LEGAL for someone to bind your hands and feet with chains, and put a leash around your neck and sell you and buy you. I'm sure you will be more than happy being a legal slave being bought and sold and caged like an animal, after all it is the law and laws are meant to be obeyed, according to u

It is worthy of note that in Nigeria, First of all, Property tax is almost non-existent. So many churches in Nigeria do not pay that tax.

Why should churches not be taxed?

Many churches in Nigeria are not registered. For a fact, they are very many and it is quite difficult to even audit them.
Taxing the religious institutions will amount to double taxation on the members. For income tax, it will indirectly amount to double taxation if they are taxed. Most people’s stipend/wages are taxied. When the people give their offering to God for his work here on earth, it will be inappropriate for the same money to be taxed.
Taxes churches in Nigeria will also mean that all Not-for-Profit Organization should be taxed as well.
To adequately tax churches, they need to audit and regulate them. There is no organisation to regulate them at the moment. It is still possible but tedious.
Taxation will harm smaller churches and simply help the bigger churches flourish.
It will not solve the problem as churches will then increase their expenditure to reduce their taxable income.
Why should churches be taxed?

Churches do not primarily exist to provide for the citizens. They should therefore pay taxes. Only the government should receive such tax exemption.
Churches are not purely not-for-profit organisations as they claim.
The failure to tax churches has made a lot of people abuse and exploit the system for dubious purposes.
To exempt churches from taxation unfairly restricts the ability of other social elements that deserve to progress, and thereby goes against what the government was built to do in the first place.

CodeTemplar:
Funds are not collected but donated willingly. The donors are continually donating knowing what the funds are used for so what is the role of an uninvited third party - the government?

Do you mean to tell me you don’t know the finances of churches is monitored abroad that’s one od the issues ashimonowo had in the Uk and there’s the issues Christ embassy has in sa,so it’s not big deal

babajero:
Name one Church, the government controls anywhere in the world, and can remove the General Oversee and appoint anyone they like.

The Nigerian government haven't been able to control it companies, it is Church they want to come and control, Or are the congregation complaining?

so you like it when churches are used to scam people of their hard earned money right

the regulation of churches has nothing to do with the removal of general overseas. Rather the regulation of churches aims to prevent churches from being used for illegal activities and fraud (abi do you support fraud )


under the Buhari administration some of the corrupt and fraudlent money where traced to churches like in the case of magu the EFCC chairman some part of the money was traced to a church now how do you treat such cases without creating laws to regulate the activities of churches to what it is supposed to be

damosky12:


Don't let hatred becloud your sense of reasoning. Do a little research.

The church sponsor most charitable organizations in Nigeria. They donated more reliefs than any other organization or individual during this covid19 period. Some churches have been responsible for road constructions, donation of schools, health facilities, etc.

Considering they are using funds FREELY donated to them, unlike the government that clearly eats what they forcefully take from the land.

Don't let hatred overwrite your reasoning.

That's is the problem with Nigerians. Even the church i attend always donate to orphanage homes.

paxonel:
where then does these pastors have their money to acquire and maintain their private jets

Dude I was referring to my own church that's why I ended my statement with "I don't know about other churches"

Where anyone get their money to purchase whatever is non of my business.

Precisely, nobody on earth receives gifts more than pastors.

orunto27:
JESUS IS THE BLUE PRINT FOR CHURCHES AND CAN NEVER FIT INTO CAMA ADAPTED FOR RIFA-RUGA ISLAMISATION FULANISATION AND ANARCHY.

I see this from two perspective.
1. Do these churches pay taxes and allow the government to watch over what they do in developed foreign countries? Yes they do.
Why is the bishop lamenting?

2. Is the Nigerian government credible enough to oversee the activities of churches? No, she is not.
Why then is the government trying to oversee the affairs of the church when they cannot manage the ministries under them? The Nigerian government is so corrupt that letting them in will ruin whatever is left after abuses the churches have undergone in the hands of fake and greedy pastors.

donnie:


Judas had freehand to loot treasury, so pastors should have free hand to loot abi?

You Christians have only just started learning, and you're already complaining.

He clearly removed the fact that I mentioned Abacha, Yaradua, Kyari, Funtua, and one other are dead.

I insist that you can't lay your murderous/heathen hands on God's offerings and that your meddlesomess will kill you.

emmanuelewumi:


Private jets for evangelism

Do you want them to trek to America?

helinues:
If the churches are not ready to abide by the law of the land, they should be deregistered

Yeye talk

XXXXTENTACION:
Nowadays the ways some churches are being run like business centers.

it becomes more interesting to see pastors building mansions, buying private jets, and living in luxury while their members leave in abject poverty but anyway Jesus lived a humble life.



in developed climes churches are registered and regulated i don't know what all this fuss is about

In developed climes churches are regulated, is Nigeria a developed clime? The government that cannot manage ethenic religious/tribal fight. The government that cannot account for her budget. The government that cannot manage her internal crisises. The government that cannot manage security situation in her country. Now the government want to manage that is seen as the peaceful, organized establishment in Nigeria. Internal fight in the church is very rare and it is always resolved without court case promptly difference from that of political party, government, etc. They should regulate their mosques because there is no difference between Nigeria government and Islam

The Bible says when the wicked rule the people suffer, but when the righteous rule the people rejoice. This laws are as a result of a wicked leadership. Since buhari came into power Christian's have been suffering, but when the church pray he must surely fall.

backnbeta:
I am a Christian, call me a sheeple, but I will rather have my money spent by the GO than have the government spend my money after I've been overly taxed by the same government

Well, the law doesn't care about your little feelings. You can keep wailing.