LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Popular Nigerian cleric Odumeje has criticized the country’s political leadership while questioning the role of religious leaders in addressing national challenges, urging pastors to speak up against poor governance.
In a recent sermon video, the preacher said pastors have a responsibility to hold leaders accountable and speak against poor governance rather than remain quiet.
While mentioning the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Odumeje said he did not intend to focus on the senior cleric personally but questioned whether religious leaders have done enough to challenge those in power.
“I don’t want to talk about Pastor Adeboye because do you know what it means to be a pastor? A pastor should rebuke a bad government, they don’t benefit from it. I’m disappointed with our own set of pastors,” he said.
The cleric also expressed frustration with politicians, accusing some public officials of mismanaging resources while many Nigerians continue to struggle with economic difficulties.
READ ALSO: Odumeje Blasts Fellow Pastors For Staying Silent On Nigeria’s Hardship
According to Odumeje, elected leaders are expected to represent citizens, serve the people and remain accountable for public resources.
“Our politicians are lavishing our resources, yet we keep praising them with the same resources we sent them to manage for us. Every politician is there to represent the citizens, serve the people, and remain accountable to them,” he stated.
Odumeje further claimed that many Nigerians are not fully aware of their civic rights, alleging that some government officials use public funds to provide opportunities for their families while ordinary citizens face hardship.
“We don’t know our rights in this country. They use our money to send their children and relatives abroad to study while ordinary Nigerians continue to suffer,” he stated.
The cleric also referenced detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, suggesting that individuals who openly criticize government actions often face opposition because they challenge those in authority.
“That’s why they go after people like Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who speaks against them,” Odumeje added.
