Many of you may have listened to the tape where TB Joshua had a closed door conversation with some journalists over the collapsed building. He then gave them 50 thousand naira each for fuel money. In totally it was 750,000 naira.(I must state that though unacceptable, it is a common norm for journalists to be given cash or gifts as appreciation for covering both private and government events )
One journalist ,Nicolas Ibekwe, who leaked the conversation said he was the only one who refused the gift. He called it bribery. He slammed Lagos State Governor ,Fashola for having a closed door meeting with TB Joshua without the presence of journalists. He said TB Joshua should be charged with murder.
Read the full transcript I transcribed from the audio and be the judge
TB Joshua- I want to thank you you very much for your patience and for and for your time. .Infact if i finish talking to you now, you will see,just pass through over 2 thousand people I'm attending to.They are from all over the world .No single Nigerian.I'm attending to them.
So I asked them to give you a copy of the cassette.There is 750 thousand which atleast, it will be 50 thousand each for fuel.To buy fuel for your car.
(Speaks to his staff)..I think you have it there, so you hand over to them.Then the cassette,they need one,one cassette.
Unknown Journalist-But man of God, we were expecting that you would come up with an official statement .
TB Joshua-I have said it, you know I've talked to you(Is your camera recording..you know it's not necessary.It's a private issue (several confirmations its not being recorded)I
Unknown Journalist-The one in the church was not audible enough.We need something substantial for us to air.
TB Joshua-Ok but you know we have to leave the security people to do their job.I don't want to interfere .I don't want a situation where i will become a hindrance .Because the country , the ambassador of America,the UK,they have sent me a letter and i greet them.South Africa Ambassador are here,Ghana Ambassador ,they are here.They want to see their people.It is a very complicated issue.
Unknown Journalist-Sir say something,A sympathy comment
TB Joshua-No no no,it is too early now .Lets finish the whole thing.Have you been there?
All chorus -Yes
Unknown Journalist-So sir are we expecting you to call us back
TB Joshua-By the grace of God..and i will be very happy if you can help me correct some of the things that is inside the papers
Journalist=We commiserate with you the church, what we expect is if you can't give us a later day maybe you can give us an official statement outside the official one.You know when there is no information outside,people will continue to give rumours
TB Joshua-Which official statement do you want me to give
Female Journalist -We know investigation is ongoing.At the moment we know some lives have been lost, some people are in the hospital .
TB Joshua-why cant you talk of those who have been rescued.You should have started from life first
Female Journalist rephrased statement - Ok So some people have been rescued, some people unfortunately have gone .
TB Joshua - want to assure you that alot of people got rescued there.Many of them are even at the prayer now.Some people that are in the hospital are recovering.
Journalist -eh eh like so commiserate with them
Female Journalist -SO can we say you are wishing them quick recovery and you are sympathizing with them ?
TB Joshua -Can't you hear what I said in the church,I talk of the hero and Martyr. I talk like a man of God.I can't talk of death inside the church.You know people will begin to say oh I salute the martyr
Journalists ..Thank you sir,... God bless sir .yes sir..
TB Joshua-SO WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO WRITE NOW
Several speaking concurrently -Just like you said..what you said .
Journalist chatter as he exchanges pleasantries..Laughter
Fade out
So what do the journalists actually wanted TB Joshua to say, I dont understand.
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