C&S Leader To FG: Stop Wasting Public Funds On Pilgrimages To Saudi Arabia, Israel

 The Supreme Head, Cherubim & Seraphim Unification Church Worldwide, His Most Eminence, Prophet Solomon Alao, has decried government’s sponsorship of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and Israel despite ravaging hunger and infrastructure deficit in the country.

According to Alao government at all levels must stop spending state resources on promotion of religions because the 1999 Constitution prohibits both federal and state governments from adopting any religion as state religion.

He said this on Friday during the 2021 Annual General Conference of the C & S Church with the theme, ‘Heal our land,’ held at the Solution Cherubim and Seraphim Ministry, Chosen Generation, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The cleric said there were many viruses in the country which had far more damaging effects on the people than COVID-19, saying corruption, government insensitivity, lack of religious tolerance, banditry insurgency were some of the more deadly viruses.

He said, “The cancerous viruses are insensitivity of our political leaders to constructive criticisms; corruption which is sticking to high heavens; insecurity; religious bigotry and disobedience to constitution which clearly defines Nigeria as a secular state.  

“What is the business of government dictating to me what God or gods I worship? What is the business of government in promoting religious beliefs by getting involved in wasting public funds on pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia or Israel when majority of the people are hungry, jobless and when our roads are in terrible condition?

“Again, in a secular state why should it be a crime if my neighbour is taking his meal in broad daylight in front of his house when I am fasting? Why should it be my duty to fight for God if anyone in his conduct seemingly shows disrespect to God and His revered servants?”

He added that, “Over 1million lives had been lost to the pandemic with Nigeria accounting for over 1,400. I believe that Nigeria mortality rate would not have reached this figure if we had fully observed all the protocols to confront the virus.

“I urge all of us not to lower our   guards because it is not yet over. Unfortunately, the second wave of COVID-19 caught the nation in more devastating form, ill prepared because of our usual ways of not being proactive.”

He urged Nigerian leaders to engage in self daily assessment by gauging public opinion against their conducts, saying, “The various viruses which I referred to above are non-pharmaceutical – Boko Haram has now overwhelmed our security apparatus.

“The security situation is assuming a wider dimension with the addition of farmers/herdsmen incessant conflicts resulting in avoidable loss of lives of citizens. Anti open grazing law in some states were sidelined by the herdsmen with impunity,” he added.

The host, Prophet Gideon Owoseni, said Nigerians must be sincere to themselves as a nation and make sure that they start speaking the truth at all times.

He said, “We abuse President Muhammadu Buhari and late General Sanni Abacha but we all have our faults because we are insincere in our activities and as citizens of this country.

“Truth is lost in the church as well as mosques. People are being extorted. You get to market and honey is mixed with engine oil, yam flour is mixed with cassava flour just in a bid to make money.  Where is truth?”