“Pastor Adeboye Was Wrongly Targeted” – Ezekwesili Explains Criticisms

Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili has defended Pastor Enoch Adeboye in the light of growing public criticism, saying the revered cleric is not responsible for Nigeria’s problems and should not be the target of public rage.

Ezekwesili, in a statement posted on X on Thursday, said while Nigerians’ anger over the country’s worsening insecurity, economic hardship and governance failures is understandable, the frustration is misdirected.

Years of corruption, insecurity and broken promises have created deep skepticism of politicians, institutions and powerful figures that many citizens believe should be holding leaders accountable, she said.

She said many Nigerians expect religious leaders to do more in demanding accountability from those in power but said Adeboye has always spoken and prayed for the country.

Ezekwesili described Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, as a humble servant of God who has dedicated his life to the promotion of peace and national progress.

The former minister warned against what she called the tendency of the country to focus on the less important while the pressing national crises remained unresolved.

“Like a true bearer of the Cross of Christ, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, who is rooted in scriptural and spiritual wisdom, has always opted for dignified silence whenever attacked. I learned from him over the years to do the same.

“But we must not lose the historical clarity that this moment requires. I therefore have to write publicly to help bring us back to what really matters and to the urgency of this moment.

“In doing so, it is first important to recognize the larger context in which criticisms of public figures have exploded in our beleaguered country.

“Nigerians are tired. Decades of systemic corruption, insecurity, economic hardship and unfulfilled promises have created a deep well of frustration.

This frustration has turned into a deep distrust – not just of politicians, but also of institutions and powerful people who the public feels have the moral authority to demand accountability from those in power.

“The cry throughout Nigeria today is simple:

“Our religious leaders must stand up and help rescue Nigeria from the clutches of ineffective, corrupt and self-serving politicians.

“That’s the point. Nothing else,” she said in part of her message.