General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has clarified that a viral photo of him carrying a placard against former President Goodluck Jonathan was from a prayer walk in 2020, not a protest. Adeboye made the statement during the church's November Thanksgiving Service in Lagos. He emphasized that the exercise was a prayer walk, not a protest, and was organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in response to killings and insecurity across Nigeria.
According to Adeboye, the prayer walk took place on February 2, 2020, during President Muhammadu Buhari's second term, not under Jonathan's administration. He explained that he carried a placard with the inscription "All Souls Are Precious To God" as part of the prayer walk. Adeboye faulted journalists for twisting facts and urged media practitioners to verify information before publishing. He recalled his days at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he learned investigative journalism.
The clarification has generated polarized reactions online, with many Nigerians questioning why similar action has not been taken under the current administration. Some defended Adeboye, stating that the prayer walk was held in 2020 and that people should not distort facts. Others accused him of dishonesty and selective activism, recalling his history of petitioning Jonathan over kidnapping and insecurity in 2010.
Critics accused Adeboye of tribal bias and questioned why he had not taken similar action under the current administration. They recalled that in 2010, Adeboye petitioned Jonathan over kidnapping and insecurity and announced plans to collect signatures for a one-million-man protest. Supporters, however, praised Adeboye as a father figure who only prays for leaders, insisting his duty is to pray, not protest.
On social media, users shared their thoughts on the matter. Cheche Kalu wrote, asking if another prayer walk could be staged, given the current state of insecurity. Another user, FullofGrace AndBlessed, echoed this sentiment, stating that the prayer walk was against insecurity and that it was not a bad thing to protest against it.
The prayer walk was part of a three-day fasting and prayer programme declared by CAN to seek divine intervention and strengthen efforts to tackle terrorism and other security challenges. According to reports, the procession began at the RCCG's national headquarters in Ebute Meta, Lagos, and proceeded towards Atan Cemetery in Yaba before returning to the church.
The photograph of Adeboye carrying the placard circulated on social media, with claims that he had protested against Jonathan's government. Adeboye's clarification has sparked a heated debate, with many Nigerians weighing in on the matter. The incident has raised questions about the role of religious leaders in addressing social and political issues in Nigeria.
Key points
- Pastor Enoch Adeboye denies leading a protest against former President Goodluck Jonathan, saying it was a prayer walk in 2020.
- The clarification has generated mixed reactions online, with some defending Adeboye and others accusing him of dishonesty and selective activism.
- The incident has raised questions about the role of religious leaders in addressing social and political issues in Nigeria.
