– Pastor Enoch Adeboye visited Aso Rock today, and Nigerians are divided on the pertinence of his visit
– Some Nigerians believe that their has to be a clear distinction between state and religion
– Other citizens opine that the visit is time and can be used as a unifying too for an imploding Nigeria
Heated arguments are ongoing on socio-media over the august visit of Pastor Enoch Adeboye in Aso Rock earlier on Tuesday, February 16.
Pastor Adeboye had visit President Buhari at the Presidential Villa earlier today and the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) spiritual leader had a meeting with the president and his vice, Prof Yemi Osinbanjo
Smiles brighten the faces of President Buhari, Prof Osinbajo and Pastor Adeboye as they met earlier on Tuesday, February 16.
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Below are the opinions of Nigerians on the now very controversial issue of the fusion of state and religion in the light of a dwindling economy and the fear of an imminent implosion.
Skeptics, critics and pessimists
There were Nigerians who believe like the saying of old that ” Nothing good can come from Nazareth”. These critics argued that the visit whose true essence and outcome could not be ascertained as of the time, was of no valid benefit to the Nigerian people.
According to Shola Adekeye, “Men of God should visit less of political offices, lest their messages be misjudged! There are orphanages, hospices, prisons and other charity homes begging for attention.”
Omonile Mayowa said: “All these ‘Babalawo’ pastors who will continue to run to Aso Rock to beg for money should remember that there is God! The people will be suffering and they will never raise their voice, as far as as they get fat brown envelopes to lay their hand on the president for few minutes. Prominent men of God like Bishop Desmond Tutu, Martin Luther King Jr, Cardinal Onayekan have always stood behind the poor masses. Was this not the same Adeboye whom Jonathan was running to after destroying the country? the question I continue to ask is how many times have you seen the Imam or Islamic leaders visit Aso Rock, are they not Nigerians too?”
Chris Jay who took a swipe at the media, said: “If Mbaka visits Buhari now, the media will go agog and shamefully, some Catholics will go on criticising one of their own for no just cause. I am sure Adeboye also went to collect Ghana-must-go of money as it was alleged in Mbaka’s case.”
In line with Mayowa’s thoughts, Kazeem M Abiodun said: “That man (Adeboye) prayed for Jonathan in 2010, we all know what happened to him in 2015. Buhari better be careful so we don’t substitute God with man.”
Abubakar As’Sadiq shared a similar views, he was of the opinion that “most of these pastors are hypocrites”. Adding: “So after decieving Jonathan, they have now decide to go to Buhari. Baba be careful oooo”
CJ CJ said: “These so called self proclaimed men of God, what they see in politics is beyond understanding. Moving from one evil political office to another, i don’t beleive there’s even one pastor/priest etc that are working for God in this so called Nigeria; all of them are vampires looking for brown envelope.”
On his part, Clinton Ojochegbe Peter said: “So Pastor Adeboye finally you got the opportunity that you’ve been looking for since you campaigned for Jonathan against buhari and your own pastor Osinbajo in the last election hahahahaha lol nobody no tomorrow we need to be very careful in decision thanks”
Advocates of the masses and defenders of the economy
Some citizens went beyond the face value of the visit, looking at how it could translate to an economic change, and how the masses can benefit from a perfect fusion or occasional interference religion into state affairs.
Mark-Denis Udemba said: “Let all this handshakes and continued smiles with men of God translate into good governance and end the hardships millions of Nigerians are curre