The General Overseer of Salvation Ministries, David Ibiyeomie, has tackled Nigerians criticising clergymen for remaining silent despite the security situation plaguing the nation.
Ibiyeomie stated that Nigerians often overlook the intervention of religious leaders in the past.
Naijaonpoint reports that the clergyman shared his thoughts during a church sermon.
Ibiyeomie questioned why some critics who were vocal during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration are no longer speaking out.
He wondered why people now accuse men of God of silence, despite past outcries.
“Now nobody is talking again, all those people that use to riot during are not rioting again, Nigeria is a funny country. They talked during Jonathan, why they no talk again. They say men of God are not talking about the country’s insecurity, the ones that talked during Jonathan’s term, why’re they not talking now? The time we talked, una talk ? We’ve been shouting since,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has dismissed claims about the political stance of its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, insisting that the cleric has not endorsed any political party or candidate.
Naijaonpoint reports that in a statement released on Tuesday via its official public relations X handle, the church said Adeboye has consistently encouraged RCCG members to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) and vote according to their conscience.
The church stated that Adeboye’s message to members has always focused on civic responsibility rather than partisan loyalty.
According to the statement, RCCG members belong to different political parties and should be free to exercise their democratic rights responsibly.
RCCG also refuted reports that Adeboye called off a planned protest, describing the claim as false.
The church explained that the cleric only communicated a directive from the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) concerning an adjustment to a three-day prayer programme.
It said the revised arrangement involved holding the grand finale at a central venue and organising a rally around the location.
The church further rejected claims that Adeboye has remained silent on national issues.
It said the cleric had spoken publicly on insecurity, corruption, hardship, elections, governance and the need for righteous leadership.
The statement, however, noted that Adeboye often addresses such matters through prayer, moral guidance and counsel, rather than partisan confrontation.
The church said neither Adeboye nor the RCCG should be defined by false narratives or inaccurate reports.
It urged the public to rely only on the church’s official communication channels and authorised representatives for information concerning the General Overseer and the mission.
RCCG also called on bloggers, commentators, media organisations and content publishers to verify information before publication.
The church said the public deserves truthful information, while Adeboye and the RCCG deserve fair and accurate representation.
“Verify before you believe. Fact-check before you publish. Truth matters,” the statement added.
