‘Pastor Adeboye wrong target’ — Ezekwesili reveals reasons behind criticisms

Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has defended Pastor Enoch Adeboye against growing public criticism, arguing that the revered cleric is not responsible for Nigeria’s challenges and should not be made the focus of public frustration.

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.

According to her, years of corruption, insecurity and unfulfilled promises have created widespread distrust of politicians, institutions and influential figures whom many citizens believe should hold leaders accountable.

She noted that many Nigerians expect religious leaders to play a greater role in demanding accountability from those in power but insisted that Adeboye has consistently spoken and prayed for the country.

Ezekwesili described the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, as a humble servant of God who has dedicated his life to promoting peace and national progress.

The former minister warned against what she described as the country’s tendency to focus on less important issues while more pressing national crises remain unresolved.

“Rooted in scriptural and spiritual wisdom, Pastor E.A. Adeboye-  like a true bearer of the Cross of Christ – has often chosen dignified silence whenever attacked. Through the years, I learned from him to do the same.

“But this moment demands a historical clarity that we must not miss. I must therefore write publicly to help bring us back to what truly matters and to the urgency of this moment.

“In doing so, it is crucial to first acknowledge the broader context in which criticisms of public figures have erupted in our beleaguered country.

“Nigerians are exhausted. Decades of systemic corruption, insecurity, economic hardship, and unfulfilled promises have produced a deep well of frustration.

“That frustration has evolved into trenchant distrust – not only of politicians, but of institutions and influential individuals whom the people believe possess the moral authority to demand accountability from those in power.

“Across Nigeria today, the cry is simple:

“Our religious leaders must rise and help rescue Nigeria from the grip of ineffectual, corrupt, and selfish politicians.

“This is the crux of the matter. Nothing else,” part of her message read.

‘Pastor Adeboye wrong target’ — Ezekwesili reveals reasons behind criticisms