Date Published: 10/16/11

My fears over subsidy removal, by Oyedepo

Renowned cleric Bishop David Oyedepo yesterday spoke on the planned fuel subsidy removal, warning that its proceeds may be stolen by corrupt public officials.

Speaking at the Sunday service of Winners Chapel in Ota, Ogun State, Oyedepo said subsidy removal won’t solve the nation’s problems.

He said: “I don’t have a problem with the removal of the subsidy but what will happen to the money that will be made. It will be stolen. My worry is with the thieves in government who steal the money that should have been used to develop the country.

“Can you imagine a public officer reported to have stolen N57billion? That would have been enough to develop a state,” Oyedepo said.

He added: “Stealing is stealing no matter how and where you steal. Either from your mother, your family, your church or government, the act of stealing makes you a thief and it will attract a curse”.

He cited the deposed Libyan and Egyptian leaders as persons who appropriated the resources of their countries at the expense of the citizenry.

“While Gaddafi is on the run, Mubarak is now facing charges of corruption while in office and had to be taken to court on his sick bed”.

Oyedepo decried what he called the “unquenchable quest” for wealth which he said has forced many, in and out of government, to engage in atrocities.

He urged Christians to live a sanctified life and avoid exalting the god of money above the almighty God.

“People who do this like those in government are involved in idolatry and they stand to be destroyed,” Oyedepo said.