Pastor Adeboye slams FG over VAT, toll gates, border closure

A rare criticism of the Federal Government came from the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, on Sunday as he rejected the raising of VAT from 5 percent to 7.5 percent by the government.

He said the measure would increase the burden on Nigerians.

Adeboye also described as insensitive the proposed reintroduction of toll gates on federal highways across the country.

Speaking at the RCCG Throne of Grace, Abeokuta in Ogun, the cleric said the toll gates should not be considered at a” time most federal roads were in pitiable conditions.”

Rather, Adeboye said the government should    refocus its plans and programmes toward initiatives that would lessen the sufferings and burdens of Nigerians.

On the closure of borders by the Federal government, Adeboye said it was ill-conceived, noting it has made rice as a staple commodity unavailable to most Nigerians.

Adeboye said as the country celebrates at 59, the federal government should henceforth focus on initiating policies that would lessen the sufferings and burdens of Nigerians.

Such policies, he said, should have the capability to move the country out of doldrums, make her arise and pitch her tent with comity of nations.

Adeboye, who was represented by the Assistant General Overseer, Administration and Personnel, Pastor Johnson Odesola, said  a lot of policies of government were not helpful to  Nigerians.

“Many Nigerians are suffering as the wealth of their nation are just in few hands who have refused to let go.”

The cleric also criticised how banks are fixing interest rate, which he described as one of the highest in the world, saying the development was making business environment unfavourable for Nigerians.

He bemoaned the condition of commoners, saying it was insensitive for the federal government to consider bringing back toll gates when the roads were in bad conditions.

The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Gbadebo noted that God had helped and is still helping Nigeria as it remains strong and indivisible since independence in 1960.

He urged leaders to consolidate on the successes and achievements made so far in Nigeria by working for the “interest of the people rather than their personal interest and gains.”

He said leaders in positions of authority were put there by God and would one day give account of their stewardships to Him.