General News of Thursday, 5 December 2024

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Nothing is going to bring us down — Tobi Adegboyega reacts to deportation reports

Popular Nigerian pastor, Tobi Adegboyega Popular Nigerian pastor, Tobi Adegboyega

Popular Nigerian pastor, Tobi Adegboyega has reacted to reports of his impending deportation from the United Kingdom.

In a video shared on his Instagram page on Wednesday, December 4, he dismissed the rife reports, reassuring followers, he said "I’ve heard a lot today, and I’m doing this because of our fans, our friends, people who are worried. I’m right here at home, no cause for alarm, and naturally, I’ll dismiss things that have to do with retrogression.

“Every Nigerian should be proud of me. In the UK, a city that is well known for pulling people down, I’ve survived all sorts. So, the matter that they are propagating now is the smallest of matter.

“What I’m trying to say is, no panic. My love London City is my city and nobody can do anything.”

The comment by the 44-year-old comes after a UK immigration tribunal upheld the decision to deport him to Nigeria. The Punch reports that Adegboyega has lived unlawfully in the UK since overstaying a visitor visa granted in 2005.

According to Adegboyega, the allegations against him are politically motivated.

“Of all the people of colour you know here, pastors and leaders have survived everything. Now, let me talk about fraud case, fraud case. They keep saying this. This is an advanced country. I’m speaking here openly.

“After all these years, have you ever heard someone go to the parliament and make all sorts of complaints? Someone from another race, another colour. Nothing came out of it.

“So, those who hate, hate already. What you want to hear is not what you heard today. What you want to hear is they’ve arrested them for money, this money, that. Not one criminal case, not one money case.

“You should all be proud of me and of the nation’s family.

So, I’m here, I’m at home. Nobody should panic for me. I succeeded well in this country despite all challenges, and I’m in the league of the people you look up to people that you pick out to persecute. I’ve survived that well. We’re surviving well. Nothing has changed. Nothing will change,” he said in his video.

While his supporters have described him as a charismatic leader who has helped many young people, the tribunal ruled that his influence was overstated.

“We are not satisfied that the good work that SPAC Nation undertakes generally would collapse or even significantly suffer should the appellant be required to leave the UK,” it concluded.

Adegboyega further asserted his status as a prominent figure in London.

“I assure all our followers and friends that there will be no embarrassment for you other than noise and noise, which we’ve survived for many years.

“I am here. I’m PT number one in London City and nothing is going to bring us down. I love you all. That’s all I’m going to say for now,” he added.