Inibehe Effiong Calls for Pastor Adeboye’s Retirement Over ‘God Saved Naira’ Comment.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has urged Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to retire, following the cleric’s controversial remarks about Nigeria’s economic situation. Effiong criticized Adeboye’s claim that divine intervention prevented the Naira from plummeting to N10,000 per dollar, describing the statement as “preposterous.”
Prayers Don’t Influence Exchange Rates – Effiong
Effiong, known for his outspoken views, dismissed Adeboye’s assertion, insisting that prayers do not influence the exchange rate. Instead, he emphasized that economic and monetary policies, along with a country’s productivity, determine the value of a currency. The lawyer’s comments came through a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday.
He stated, “Pastor Enoch Adeboye should retire and go home. His controversial statements on the state of the nation are offensive to the sensibilities of right-thinking members of society.”
Criticism of Adeboye’s Support for Government Policies
Effiong accused Adeboye of defending the current administration, labeling it as “incompetent and oppressive.” He expressed dismay over the pastor’s perceived support for government policies, arguing that it undermines the essence of Christianity.
“Many Nigerians have stopped attending church due to the apparent hypocrisy and collusion of religious leaders,” Effiong noted, adding that the Tinubu administration has continued to pay billions in fuel subsidies despite earlier promises to end them.
Adeboye’s Claims Questioned Amid Economic Realities
Effiong further condemned Adeboye’s suggestion that his prayers were the reason the Naira did not depreciate further, calling it misleading. “It is preposterous for Adeboye to claim that his prayers prevented the Naira from falling. The exchange rate is determined by economic policies, not prayers,” he asserted.
He highlighted the ongoing corruption in Nigeria’s oil sector, stating that the government has failed to address the underlying issues affecting the economy.
Religious Influence in Politics Under Scrutiny
Effiong also took aim at the influence of religious figures in Nigerian politics, suggesting that many corrupt leaders count themselves among Adeboye’s followers. He questioned the impact of Adeboye’s decades-long prayers for the nation, pointing out that the socio-economic conditions in Nigeria have not improved.
“It is either his prayers are not working, or God is not listening to him,” Effiong remarked bluntly, urging the pastor to reflect on his role and the real impact of his religious interventions.
Effiong: “Time for Adeboye to Exit the Stage”
Concluding his criticism, Effiong advised Adeboye to consider stepping down, implying that the pastor’s continued involvement in national discussions is doing more harm than good. He urged Adeboye to “look himself in the mirror,” suggesting that it may be time for the revered cleric to retire from public life.
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Ejes Gist News understands that, this latest rebuke adds to the growing public debate over the role of religious leaders in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape, particularly as the country grapples with economic challenges and governance issues caused by President Bola Tinubu government.
