National Publicity Secretary of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Emmah Isong, discusses the recent controversial statements made by Pentecostal pastors and other issues with GBENRO ADEOYEPentecostal pastors have been caught having services despite the ban on gatherings and religious services due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Do you think that is an excuse as people who are not pastors know the dangers of gathering at this time and this information is broadcast on TV and radio every time? Are you daring me to send you videos showing gatherings of other religious worshippers? I can send you videos of other religious bodies meeting and they are being treated with kid gloves. I’m not supporting these pastors; I’m saying you are treating religious bodies differently. There is bias if you don’t treat religious leaders the same way.
A number of famous Pentecostal pastors have been making wild allegations and comments, including Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, who said 5G tech brought coronavirus and that the administration of its vaccine would be used to enthrone a new world order led by the Antichrist.
But don’t you think more pastors are being found to be violating the directive because more Christian leaders are violating it than other religious leaders? I have told you about biases, the need for adequate information, how there has been no engagement with the proper channel and how they have been speaking to people in the language they understand and so on.
So when a pastor asks the same people to gather despite the lockdown directive, why is the place full? I’m waiting for your response before we go ahead. Why do they go if it is not essential? You cannot determine what is essential to people because what is essential to you may not be essential to me. Lawmakers and some organs of government have been meeting; lockdown directive should not only be meant for men of God.
Why do you think about Pastor David Ibiyeomie saying he doubted that COVID-19 was Nigeria and likening it to malaria? Why are Pentecostal pastors misinforming the public? It is people like you who say they should be careful that will also say why can’t people be allowed to talk. They are killing people in this country and people are not talking. We have freedom of speech in the constitution; allow people to express their different opinions. The problem is that you talk but don’t want to allow me to talk.
Wonderful perspective from Pastor Emah Isong. Great insights.
Yes, because you're supposed to be a Shepherd and not expose your flocks to the wolf
Let's forget about being biased or not, why should a pastor violate the lockdown in the first place, putting people's lives at risk.that should be the question...