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In the apparent spectacle of Nigeria’s deep-rooted religiosity, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has once again taken center stage with his announcement of a 100-day fasting extravaganza for Nigeria’s “turnaround.” Adeboye, a man who enjoys unparalleled reverence among millions of followers, has artfully woven a narrative that suggests prayers and fasting, not sound governance or economic reforms, are the key to Nigeria’s deliverance. It’s almost comicalβ€”if it weren’t so tragically misleading.

Nigeria’s current socio-economic turmoil under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is no secret. Inflation is in double digits, unemployment is rife, and corruption continues to bleed the nation dry. Yet, Adeboye’s proposed solution is not to call out the government for its incompetence or demand that Tinubu adheres to the rule of law. No, his answer is 100 days of abstinence from food and water, a spiritual strategy that conveniently aligns with his church’s ongoing theatrics.

One cannot help but notice the glaring elephant in the room: Tinubu’s wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is a pastor in the RCCG. This connection raises a significant questionβ€”how impartial can Adeboye be when the First Lady is a member of his clerical fold? Instead of wielding his massive influence to challenge Tinubu’s maladministration, Adeboye has chosen to lead his congregation into what can only be described as a diversionary exercise. After all, it’s much easier to keep your flock focused on celestial miracles than to confront terrestrial realities.

Adeboye’s prescription for Nigeria’s woes is an advanced class in distraction. Fasting, according to his declaration, will somehow result in Nigeria’s “turnaround.” But does skipping meals build roads, create jobs, or enforce the rule of law? Does it compel Tinubu’s government to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, respect judicial rulings, or address the glaring gaps in public healthcare? The answer, of course, is a resounding no.

The irony of Adeboye’s message is as thick as the millions of dollars he has likely amassed from his devoted followers. While ordinary Nigerians are asked to abstain from food, their pastor enjoys the comfort of wealth funded by their tithes and offerings. RCCG, like many mega-churches in Nigeria, operates as a tax-exempt corporate empire, complete with private jets, luxurious estates, and expansive real estate portfolios. Adeboye’s call for fasting rings hollow when juxtaposed with the opulent lifestyle enjoyed by him and his colleagues in the upper echelons of Nigeria’s religious elite.

Rather than addressing the systemic issues plaguing Nigeria, Adeboye and his ilk have perfected the art of monetizing hope. Their sermons often center on divine breakthroughs, prosperity, and miraculous deliverance, conveniently ignoring the fact that nations thrive on effective leadership, not wishful thinking. If prayers could build a nation, Nigeriaβ€”with its abundance of religious fervorβ€”would be a global superpower by now. Instead, we remain a country mired in poverty, corruption, and inequality, with religious leaders like Adeboye offering spiritual anesthesia to numb the pain of reality.

Read also: Pastor Adeboye Slammed Over β€˜God Saved Naira’ Comment

One would expect a leader of Adeboye’s stature to use his influence to demand accountability from Tinubu’s administration. With millions of followers hanging on his every word, Adeboye has the power to shape public opinion and advocate for tangible change. Yet, he remains conspicuously silent on issues like the rising cost of living, insecurity, and the government’s disregard for court rulings. His voice, which could be a clarion call for justice.

Nigeria’s journey toward progress cannot be paved with mere spiritual platitudes and ritualistic fasts. It requires a collective effort to demand good governance, enforce accountability, and foster an environment where institutions function independently of religious or political interference. Adeboye’s 100-day fast is a clear reminder of how religion in Nigeria has often been weaponized to pacify the masses, diverting attention from systemic failures.

For too long, Nigerian leaders, both in government and religious circles, have relied on the resilience and faith of the people to maintain the status quo. They conveniently ignore that sustainable progress is built on the pillars of sound economic policies, robust infrastructure, and a commitment to justice and equity. It is time for Nigerians to realize that their destinies are shaped not in the pews of megachurches but in the halls of power, where decisions that impact their lives are made.

Pastor Adeboye, with his vast influence and platform, has a choice. He can continue to offer hollow religious prescriptions that do little to address Nigeria’s challenges, or he can become a true advocate for the people. Imagine the impact if he used his sermons to demand that Tinubu’s government respect judicial rulings, tackle corruption, and prioritize the welfare of citizens. Imagine the transformation if he encouraged his congregation to engage in civic activities, hold their leaders accountable, and participate actively in the democratic process.

The truth is, Nigeria doesn’t need 100 days of fasting; it needs bold actions and courageous voices. It needs leaders, both secular and spiritual, who are willing to confront the rot in the system and champion the cause of justice and equity. Until religious leaders like Adeboye embrace this role, they will remain part of the problem, offering solace to a suffering people while the nation continues to spiral into chaos.

In the end, fasting and prayers may soothe the soul, but they won’t build roads, create jobs, or enforce the rule of law. Nigerians deserve better than the illusion of spiritual intervention. They deserve leaders who are honest, accountable, and committed to real change. It’s time for Adeboye and his peers to step out of the shadows of political complicity and into the light of truth and action. Anything less is a disservice to the millions who look to them for guidance in these trying times.

The Eastern UpdatesΒ 

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