Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has advised young Nigerians to stop shifting responsibilities onto Pastor Enoch Adeboye, describing the practice as unjust. Speaking via a post on X on Thursday, Obi emphasized that the 84-year-old cleric should not be burdened with tasks that belong to the younger generation.
Obi’s comments come amid a wave of online criticism targeting the Redeemed Christian Church of God General Overseer over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. Some young Nigerians had called on Adeboye to lead protests similar to those he organized during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
According to Obi, it is unfair for able-bodied youths to expect the elderly pastor to solve problems they themselves should address. He stressed that the responsibility of building a better nation rests squarely on the shoulders of the younger generation. They must lead conversations, champion reforms, and drive the change Nigeria urgently needs.
The former Anambra State governor also warned against falling into ethnic and religious traps set by politicians. He noted that during the 2023 elections, especially in Lagos, discussions on governance and development were hijacked by tribal sentiments. Obi expressed concern that similar divisive tactics are being resurrected, often subtly, through narratives designed to create suspicion.
He stated that politicians who lack ideas, character, performance, and vision often exploit identity differences to gain political advantage. Obi urged Nigerians to be vigilant and not allow themselves to be used as tools for disunity.
Defending Adeboye, Obi described him as one of the nation’s foremost fathers of faith, who has consistently preached peace, prayer, love, reconciliation, and national unity. Even when provoked, Adeboye has responded with humility, restraint, wisdom, and grace, Obi added.
“Let me state clearly that Pastor Enoch Adeboye remains one of the foremost fathers of faith in our nation. For decades, he has consistently preached the virtues of peace, prayer, love, reconciliation, and national unity. Even when faced with provocation, his response has always reflected humility, restraint, wisdom, and grace,” Obi said.
He reiterated that the youth must not transfer their duties to elders. Instead, they should take ownership of Nigeria’s reform agenda and resist being used to promote division. Obi’s statement serves as a call to action for young Nigerians to step up and lead, rather than waiting for others to act.