Pastors must rebuke bad governments, not benefit from it – Odumeje criticises Adeboye

Onitsha Cleric Advocates for Accountability Among Religious Leaders

Chukwuemeka “Odumeje” Ohanaemere, a prominent cleric and founder of the Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry in Onitsha, has called on religious leaders to challenge poor governance rather than support those in power. His remarks come in the wake of comments made by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), who recently stated that President Bola Tinubu is “doing his best” to tackle Nigeria’s security issues.

During a sermon, Odumeje directly referenced Adeboye, urging pastors to take a firmer stance against injustice. He emphasized that elected officials are accountable to the public. “A pastor must rebuke a bad government,” he stated, highlighting the responsibility of religious leaders to speak out.

Odumeje criticized the tendency for church leaders to seek personal gain from their associations with political figures, asserting that their duty is to uphold the truth. “It is God who makes my voice heard in the world,” he added.

The cleric encouraged Nigerians to refrain from celebrating elected officials merely for fulfilling their responsibilities. He insisted that governors, senators, and the president are public servants who owe their constituents transparency and accountability.

“People are managing our resources and lavishing our resources,” Odumeje said. “They are not there for you to serve them; they are there to serve every citizen of Nigeria.”

He expressed concern over Nigerians’ lack of awareness regarding their rights. “Many countries built infrastructure long ago, yet we are celebrating ordinary roads,” he remarked. He reiterated that public services are funded by the citizens’ taxes, and elected officials must be held accountable for their use of these resources.

Odumeje further criticized the performance of Nigerian politicians, asserting that they have failed to deliver meaningful development. “There has never been anything the government has done for this country,” he stated.

Drawing on historical figures, he referenced Ojukwu, who he called a hero of his time. “At just 31, Ojukwu realized the deceit of the Nigerian government,” Odumeje said, reflecting on the importance of leadership and the fight for justice.

The cleric concluded by asserting that public officials must be evaluated based on their actions rather than their titles, noting that many citizens lack access to quality education and services. He stressed, “The government is lying. Everything is turning upside down.”

Odumeje’s remarks underscore ongoing concerns regarding governance and accountability in Nigeria as the nation continues to grapple with issues affecting its development and citizens’ welfare.

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