General overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has been criticised by some Nigerians for accusing the federal government of meddlingin church matters. 
Adeboye, made the accusation
on Sunday, December 8, at the Redemption Camp, Kilometre 46, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun state, in reaction to a regulation by the Financial Regulatory Council of Nigeria, (FRCN) which stipulates 20 years tenure for heads of religious groups and civil society groups in the country.
The cleric had said the government has been showing increasing interest in church affairs, especially against the RCCG.
He disclosed that other fresh laws had been enacted by the government to ruffle the feathers of the church in the country, with a particularly targeted at the RCCG.
Adeboye also urged members of RCCG to register as card-carrying members of political parties ahead 2019 general elections.
But some Nigerians opposed to the cleric’s view accused him of inciting Nigerians against the federal government.
Others called on Adeboye to obey the laws of the land and stop making excuses for pastors who had turned the church into a money making business.
Another group reminded the cleric that the regulation by FRCN restricting the tenure of pastors was passed during the tenure of Goodluck Jonathan who is a Christian.
See reactions below:
Fowowe Titilopemi: "If indeed he said this, I don't know what to say pastors must lead by examples.it is either they practice real Christianity or nothing else.If they choose to run profit-making businesses let them pay tax like others.why hide businesses under church and expect government to keep quiet while many of them daily condemn the government.let government leave them alone but be sure to collect tax.churches must face reality and stop spreading falsehood.The law is not new and it applies to everyone.why must Pentecostal churches be crying more than the bereaved????.If you tell us in church to obey the laws of the land.it is applicable to all."
Oladiji Abiola Dada suggested that the laws were put in place to check the commercialization of churches.
He said: "This is what happens when churches start getting enmeshed in politics. You can't eat your cake and have it. Govt is well aware that this mega business outfits all operating as churches and feeding on the frustrated desires of thousands and millions of poor Nigerians are nothing but opportunist machines. Of course this is not inclusive of the good and honest churches out there who have no say in the scheme of political theatrics going on.
"Govt is the mirror of the society, the greatest denominator of all intrigues and surely the greatest mafia clique. They know who is who and what is what because they are the ones who cooks up the illicit complicity that remains veiled to the ordinary eye.
"Did anyone hear the other clerics complain?? Nay!! Me think not. They know it's sensible to keep the diaper dry for the sake of the babies behind . It's crunch time for those who misbehave. Least I forget, was the Vice President not a top official of the RCCG? Lol"
Ande Isaiah Mhenuter described Pastor Adeboye's comment as inciting.
