Pastor E.A. Adeboye’s recent assertion that his prayers prevented the naira from plummeting to ₦10,000 per dollar and his endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidies have ignited widespread debate on social media.
Critics highlighted a perceived inconsistency in Adeboye’s approach to leadership, contrasting his current stance with his 2010 protest against President Goodluck Jonathan over insecurity and fuel price hikes. They argue that Tinubu’s policies, despite being burdensome to Nigerians, have received Adeboye’s approval, leading to accusations of hypocrisy.
Reactions from Nigerians
Prominent voices online shared their mixed feelings about Adeboye’s comments:
- @ShehuSani sarcastically suggested integrating spirituality into economic policy: “Since prayer can save our national currency from falling, the Central Bank should open a special Spiritual department.”
- @JajaPhD expressed disillusionment: “There was a time when I really loved and respected this man. It breaks my heart to see him unravel. I pray Pastor Adeboye repents because it doesn’t seem like he will make heaven.”
- @UnkleAyo, skeptical of the claim, commented: “I saw that headline and didn’t want to believe it. Did Adeboye really say his prayer stopped naira from rising to ₦10,000? 😂😂”
- @Morris_Monye wrote: “I think Adeboye is using ‘idea’ to do his prophecies.”
- @firstladyship contrasted Adeboye’s responses to past and current administrations: “Protests for Goodluck Jonathan. Prayers for Bola Tinubu. Fakest Pastor.”
- @DanielRegha called out perceived hypocrisy: “Pastor Adeboye, who staged a one-million-man protest against Jonathan’s government, is now praising Tinubu’s administration? How did prayers help the naira? Same naira that has devalued under this government’s incompetence. Let him speak the truth.”
- @DeeOneAyekooto, however, showed support: “Thank you, Pastor Adeboye. You have always been an inspiration.”
Broader Impact
The controversy underscores the tension between religious influence and political discourse in Nigeria. While some defend Pastor Adeboye as a spiritual leader doing his best to inspire hope, others view his remarks as misplaced or hypocritical, given the economic hardship many Nigerians currently face.
The debate highlights ongoing frustrations with Nigeria’s economic challenges and the role of prominent religious figures in shaping public opinion on government policies.
