Full Transcript of TB Joshua Offering 50K Each to Reporters - A Clear Case Of Bribery

I've been getting a lot of pushback from my blog readers on FB after my blog post [here] about TB Joshua giving blood money to reporters to influence their reports of a building that collapsed in his chrch premises.

To be clear, I listened to the audio and was appalled that instead of making a statement on the collapse, or sending sympathies to those that lost loved ones, TB Joshua badgered the journalists with the promise of money until they accepted his own accounts. A former journalist wrote to me;

Myne,really he did not offer them bribe at all. Back home as a reporter, each time we attend a press briefing,we get a brown envelope with money inside for lunch or for gas. He is not doing anything others have not done. Journalist back home counts on such goodwill each time they attend any press briefing. No one influences how a journalist writes a report,its totally up to the journalist to present a report the best way that tells the accuracy of a story.

My response is this - that it's done does not make it right. TB Joshua specifically told the reporters where to focus and what to leave out. And let's be clear that this is not an ordinary press briefing for a product launch or brand activation. We are talking about a catastrophe in which more than 80 people died! In the end, all TB Joshua could ask was, "so what will you write?"

For those who were not able to listen to the audio, please read the full transcript that Emeh Achanga has transcribed and then let's start having honest conversations.

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)

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 letter today 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 rephrases statement - Ok So some people have been rescued, some people unfortunately have gone.

TB Joshua - We 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