Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC), has urged young Nigerians not to shift their responsibility for national development to religious leaders, saying the task of building a better country rests primarily on the younger generation.
Obi stated this in a post on X on Thursday amid controversy over the position of Enoch Adeboye, the general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), on issues of insecurity and economic hardship in the country.
The debate followed criticism from some social media users who accused the cleric of remaining silent on the shortcomings of the Tinubu administration despite allegedly protesting insecurity during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
However, RCCG had, in a statement, said Adeboye never protested during Jonathan’s administration.
The church explained that images circulating online showing the cleric carrying a placard bearing the inscription “All Souls Are Precious to God” were taken during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to the church, Adeboye only participated in a prayer walk against insecurity following a directive by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
DON’T ALLOW DIVISION IN NIGERIA
Reacting to the controversy, Obi warned against attempts to divide Nigerians along ethnic and religious lines.
He recalled that discussions after the 2023 presidential election, particularly in Lagos, gradually shifted from issues of governance and development to ethnic and tribal sentiments.
“Conversations that should have focused on competence, governance, development and the future of our nation were gradually diverted towards tribal sentiments, ethnic divisions and unnecessary suspicion among citizens,” he said.
The former Anambra governor said politicians often exploit ethnic and religious differences when they cannot compete on ideas and performance.
“Whenever politicians find it difficult to compete on ideas, performance, character or vision, some resort to exploiting the fault lines of ethnicity, religion and identity,” he said.
“Their calculation is simple: a divided people are easier to manipulate than a united people.”
Obi described Adeboye as one of Nigeria’s foremost religious leaders who has consistently preached peace and national unity.
“Pastor Enoch Adeboye remains one of the foremost fathers of faith in our nation,” he said.
“For decades, he has consistently preached the virtues of peace, prayer, love, reconciliation and national unity.”
LEAVE ADEBOYE ALONE
The former presidential candidate said it was unfair for young Nigerians to expect the 84-year-old cleric to lead struggles that should be driven by younger citizens.
“At 84 years of age, it would be unfair for young and able-bodied Nigerians to transfer to him responsibilities that properly belong to them,” Obi said.
“The task of building a better Nigeria rests primarily on the shoulders of the younger generation.”
He urged young Nigerians to resist manipulation and verify information before reacting to it.
“Do not allow anyone to recruit you into hatred,” he said.
“Do not allow anyone to weaponise your ethnicity, your faith or your admiration for respected leaders.
“Question every narrative. Verify every claim. Follow the facts. Resist manipulation.
“The Nigeria of our dreams can only be built by citizens who refuse to be divided, who choose unity over hatred and who place our collective future above narrow interests.”
