Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has called on the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, to retire, citing his recent controversial remarks on Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Effiong made this statement on Saturday via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, reacting to Adeboye’s comments about the naira depreciation and fuel subsidy removal under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Adeboye’s Controversial Remarks
In a video reported by SaharaReporters, Adeboye claimed that Nigeria’s economic struggles, including the naira’s fall, were orchestrated by individuals opposing President Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidies. He also suggested that prayers by him and others had prevented the naira from depreciating to as low as ₦10,000 per dollar. Adeboye’s remarks sparked mixed reactions, with many questioning the spiritual narrative applied to an economic issue.
Effiong’s Criticism
Effiong criticized Adeboye’s statements, describing them as offensive and harmful to public sensibilities. He accused the pastor of defending an “incompetent and oppressive government” and misrepresenting Christianity.
“Pastor Enoch Adeboye should retire and go home. His controversial statements on the state of the nation offend the sensibilities of right-thinking members of the society. In life, it is always better to know when to exit the stage,” Effiong stated.
He further argued that Adeboye’s claims about prayers influencing the naira’s stability were baseless, emphasizing that exchange rates are determined by economic policies and national productivity rather than divine intervention.
Broader Concerns with Religious Leadership
Effiong also expressed frustration with what he described as the hypocrisy of some religious leaders, which he believes has caused many Nigerians to lose faith in organized religion.He stated, “Many people in our country have stopped going to church due to the sickening hypocrisy and connivance of these religious leaders. Tinubu has paid billions in fuel subsidy, contrary to his public statements. The rot and corruption in the oil sector remain unaddressed.”
Effiong also criticized Adeboye’s long-standing prayers for Nigeria, questioning their effectiveness given the country’s worsening state. “It is either his prayers are not working, or God is not listening to him,” he said.
A Call for Reflection
In conclusion, Effiong urged Pastor Adeboye to reflect on the influence his statements have on the nation, especially given the involvement of some of his followers in Nigeria’s political and economic challenges.
“Some of the most corrupt and evil politicians in our country today are disciples and followers of Pastor Adeboye. He should look himself in the mirror,” Effiong added.This exchange has reignited debates on the role of religious leaders in Nigeria’s political and economic discourse and their accountability to their followers and the nation.