Following the viral audio of a distressed Abuja woman, Lovena, pleading for help to recover N5 million mistakenly sent as tithe to Pastor Hezekiah of the Mountain of Thunder Ministry, prominent Nigerian media personality Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has shared her thoughts on the growing controversy.
In a chat with Akinrinlola Olumide, Publisher of Starnews NG, on Sunday, the former Ondo First Lady expressed her views on the troubling episode that has sparked outrage and debate across social media platforms.
Referencing the widespread attention the audio has garnered, Akeredolu stated, “It’s been trending. Nigerian pastors won’t make heaven. That’s if there is heaven.”
She added, “Many are fraudsters. Tithe-induced prosperity churches. Those who patronise them are equally guilty as they want to get rich quickly, miraculously, without work.”
Starnews NG reports that her comments highlight a growing discontent with what many perceive as the commercialization of faith in Nigeria.
Her remarks resonate with a significant portion of the Nigerian public, who have voiced their frustrations over the financial practices of certain religious institutions. The incident involving Lovena has opened a floodgate of discussions about the ethics of tithe collection and the responsibilities of pastors toward their congregants.
This reaction from Madam Akeredolu, a prominent voice and well-known figure in Nigerian media, underscores the need for accountability and transparency within religious organisations.
As the conversation continues to unfold, many are calling for more stringent regulations and ethical standards for churches to ensure that they serve the community genuinely rather than exploit it.
The audio featuring Lovena’s plea for help remains a focal point of this ongoing dialogue, and as public sentiment grows, it remains to be seen how religious leaders will respond to the increasing calls for reform in their practices.
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