Peter Obi and Oby Ezekwesili have come to the defence of Pastor Enoch Adeboye. Both have criticized online attacks against the Redeemed Christian Church of God leader.
Adeboye had called on President Bola Tinubu's administration to act decisively on insecurity. He gave security chiefs a 90-day deadline to crush terrorism or resign, sharing the message via X on Tuesday.
The clergyman expressed alarm at Nigeria's deteriorating security crisis. He insisted those responsible for national safety must deliver concrete results.
Social media users turned on Adeboye following his intervention. But Obi stepped in to defend him publicly.
According to Obi, young Nigerians are being manipulated through ethnic and religious divisions. He warned that politicians gain when public anger shifts away from governance failures.
Obi described Adeboye as a respected spiritual leader committed to peace and national unity. He questioned why society expects elderly clerics to handle matters younger citizens should address.
"It is unfair to place such burdens on elder statesmen," Obi essentially argued on his social media pages.
Ezekwesili echoed similar sentiments in her own statement. She noted that Adeboye has consistently spoken on insecurity and governance across multiple administrations.
Critics have ignored his past interventions on restructuring, according to the former education minister. His track record shows sustained engagement with national challenges.
Ezekwesili urged Nigerians to stop questioning whether leaders speak up. Instead, she said citizens should focus on responding to reform appeals.
Both figures flagged the spread of false information and divisive narratives. They're concerned about threats to national unity and cohesion.
Obi and Ezekwesili called on Nigerians to verify facts before sharing online. They urged citizens to resist manipulation and prioritize collective progress.
