By Theophilus Onojeghen
Founder of Salvation Ministries, Bishop David Ibiyeomie, has criticised what he described as the silence of many Christian leaders amid Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship, insecurity and what he called attempts to restrict Christian evangelism.
The cleric, while addressing his congregation on Sunday, accused some church leaders of keeping quiet because of their relationship with the current political leaders, insisting he would never remain silent when issues affecting Christianity and Nigerians are at stake.
“We want peace. Leave Christians alone. As you allow Muslims, also allow Christians,” Ibiyeomie said.
Ibiyeomie, while questioning the recent law passed by the National Assembly which seeks to restrict open-air evangelism and preaching in public transport, the bishop condemned what he described as an attempt to humiliate Christianity.
The cleric specifically took a swipe at the members of the National Assembly for passing a law which is not a top priority among social vices currently plaguing the country at the moment.
“Are you aware that we should not preach in buses? That’s a stupid law. I will not be alive and see Christ being humiliated. The so-called men in the National Assembly, I don’t know where they kept their brains”, he said.
He argued that if Muslims are permitted to publicly use loudspeakers and microphones for religious activities, Christians should enjoy the same constitutional freedom.
According to him, “Since you allowed the Muslims to put microphones and nobody shouted, Christians will preach. If they say Christians don’t preach, they go their way, we go our way.”
The outspoken preacher maintained that he would continue to defend the Christian faith regardless of the consequences.
“I won’t be alive as a preacher and not see this gospel being preached.”
Ibiyeomie also took a swipe at some Christian leaders, alleging that many have remained silent because of financial ties with political officeholders.
“Most preachers can’t talk because they have taken money from the leaders. Go and ask your President if I have taken one dime from him. You can’t take money from a man and talk to him. Ask him if I have taken one naira from him”, he further stated.
The bishop lamented the country’s worsening economic situation, saying Nigeria is experiencing its most difficult period.
Adding, he said, “Nigeria is one of the poorest countries on earth and nobody is talking. They are even saying we are not suffering. This is the hardest time in Nigeria. The most difficult time is this time. People are in hardship, but people are keeping quiet.”
Drawing a comparison between the current administration and that of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Ibiyeomie questioned why critics who openly challenged Jonathan’s government have remained silent.
“Jonathan was there and they were shouting. He is gone now, they are quiet. Even preachers are quiet… Can you compare Jonathan’s time with now? Even a madman knows Jonathan’s regime is better than this one”, he added.
The cleric insisted his position was not driven by ethnic or political considerations, stressing that, “I’ll never be a tribalistic preacher. Never! Most preachers can’t talk because of sentiments.”
He also warned against what he described as attempts to suppress Christian evangelism, insisting that freedom of religion must apply equally to all faiths.
Bishop Ibiyeomie noted, “If Muslims can also raise their microphone, we are free to preach. Everybody has freedom of religion… Don’t stop us from preaching.”
Ibiyeomie further criticised lawmakers for allegedly focusing on issues affecting Christian preaching instead of addressing terrorism, hunger and the welfare of Nigerians.
He also reiterated his long-held claim that there were efforts to Islamise Nigeria, declaring that such an agenda would never succeed.
“I have said it before that they want to turn Nigeria into an Islamic nation, but some persons think I am joking. It’s coming small small, but it will never be. It can never be! Nigeria will never be an Islamic nation”, the cleric posited.
The bishop added that he would continue to speak out even if other church leaders chose to remain silent.
“Since the men of God don’t want to talk, I’ll talk. Do you know why they are not talking? It’s tribalism”, Ibiyeomie.
