Founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has described the current state of Nigeria as the country’s most difficult period, accusing political leaders and some Christian clerics of remaining silent despite worsening economic hardship and insecurity.
Speaking during a sermon, Ibiyeomie said many religious leaders had failed to speak truth to power because of tribal sentiments and political affiliations.
“This is the hardest time in Nigeria. The most difficult time is this time. People are suffering. Jonathan was here; they were shouting. It has come; everyone is quiet. Even preachers are quiet,” he said.
The cleric maintained that he would continue to criticise government policies regardless of who is in power.”I will never be a tribalistic preacher. Most preachers can’t talk because of sentiments. I will talk. You can’t compare Jonathan’s time and now,” he stated.
Ibiyeomie also lamented the country’s economic challenges, saying Nigeria has become one of the poorest nations despite its past economic standing.”Nigeria is one of the poorest nations on earth. Nobody is talking. They are even saying we are not suffering. Terrorism has problems. Hunger has problems. Nigeria has problems,” he said.
He further alleged that there were attempts to turn Nigeria into an Islamic nation but insisted such efforts would not succeed.”They want to turn Nigeria into an Islamic nation. Some people think I’m joking. It’s coming small, small. But it can never be. Nigeria will never be an Islamic nation,” he declared.
The pastor urged the government to uphold freedom of religion and ensure equal treatment for adherents of all faiths, warning that actions perceived as discriminatory could undermine national peace.
