The President, Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samuel Oladele, has cautioned Nigerians, especially those using social media platforms against mocking Christian religious leaders over the country’s security challenges.

Oladele during his sermon at the dedication and handing-over service of Christ Apostolic Church, Mountain of Restoration, Osogbo, Osun State, donated by Prof. and Mrs ‘Siji Olamiju on Saturday, said prayers of the religious leaders has kept Nigeria from total disintegration.

The religious leader, who made reference to a particular post he observed on the social media recently, said the author of the message spoke derogatorily about Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Pastor Williams Kumuyi and Bishop David Oyedepo, over their inability to use prayers to end insecurity in the country.

Declaring that Nigeria’s spiritual fathers have been praying for the country to experience divine peace, Oladele said social media criticism of clergymen would eventually amount to nothing, imploring Nigerians to pray for leaders in the country, rather than attacking them.

“We are being guided by the Bible and not by the criticism of any social media post by bloggers. The bible remains our own courage and we do His will. There is a way you comport yourself as a minister but we denounce unrighteousness, violence and insecurity.

“The Bible tells us to pray for those who are in authority and not just to criticise. Most of the battles of life, as far as we are concerned, are fought and won on our knees and not necessarily by confronting or criticising people disruptively.

“But we live in the days of mockers and no matter what you do, they don’t see anything good in it. We have our culture and our culture teaches us that when you have an elder, there is a way to talk to them.

“There are men of God everywhere and we are human. You don’t expect perfection from us, but I want to believe that we have men of God in this country who are always on their knees to pray to God for the sustenance of the peace of this country,” Oladele said.

In his admonition to all Nigerians regardless of religious inclination in this era of insecurity, Oladele added, “The Bible says ‘Look on to me, oh you nations,’ We still have to keep looking to God. Without God, there is nothing we can do. It is only which that is done in the heaven,’ that we can achieve here on earth. So, let’s keep trusting God who has helped us this far.

“Why is it that Nigeria has not totally disintegrated? He queried. “It is because we have God who has been looking after us. For Christians generally, let us be the light of the world. Represent God and His interests anywhere you are.”

Earlier, in his address, the donor, Olamiju, said the church was built to appreciate God after he miraculously survived a medical challenge.

He stated readiness to keep supporting efforts that would spread the gospel, urging Nigerians to continue to live in love and mutual respect.

The church dedication was attended by the former Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande, a former Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Mr. Timothy Owoeye, ex member representing Ijesa South in the House Representatives, Mr. Ajibola Famurewa, royal fathers, religious fathers and members of CAC across Osun State and beyond.

Hiding behind the veil of anonymity that social media platforms sometimes provide, some users usually target clerics with libellous claims, and malicious attacks.

The PUNCH on January 13, 2025, however reported that a youth group known as The Concern Nigerian Christian Youths, called on all relevant security agencies to spare no effort in identifying and prosecuting those who misuse social media to incite religious tension and propagate lies against the church, mosque and clerics.

The group enjoined relevant authorities to intensify the fight against cyberbullying across the country, saying that attacks on the Christian faith and indeed other religions on social media when left unchecked portends a great danger for the country. (The PUNCH)