Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has come to the defense of Pastor Enoch Adeboye amid increasing public criticism, saying the respected cleric is not to blame for Nigeria’s problems and should not be the target of public anger.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, Ezekwesili said while Nigerians’ anger over the country’s worsening insecurity, economic hardship and governance failures is understandable, the frustration is being directed at the wrong target.
She said years of corruption, insecurity and broken promises have bred widespread distrust of politicians, institutions and influential figures who many citizens believe should hold leaders accountable.
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.
Pastor Enoch Adeboye is a humble servant of God who has dedicated his life to the promotion of peace and national progress, Ezekwesili said.
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.
“Rooted in scriptural and spiritual wisdom, Pastor E.A. Adeboye- like a true bearer of the Cross of Christ – 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 so doing, it is essential to first 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.
That frustration has morphed into trenchant distrust – not only of politicians, but also of institutions and powerful individuals whom the people believe have the moral authority to demand accountability from those in power.
“The cry throughout Nigeria today is simple:
“Our religious leaders must rise and help rescue Nigeria from the claws of ineffectual, corrupt and selfish politicians.
“That’s the point. Nothing else,” some of her message said.
