I read with shock and trepidation the uncensored statement issued by Reno Omokri, a self acclaimed Pastor, and former aide, to ex- President, Goodluck Jonathan, blaming the General Overseer and Founder of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor, W.F Kumuyi, for being responsible for the suspension of DAAR Communication, the owner of AIT, and Ray Power.

By that statement, Omokri has shot himself on the foot, hand and head. The self-exiled ‘Political Pastor’ goofed big time. Millions of Nigerians and Christians refuse to be fooled by his antics and subtle ploy to incite the public against  Pastor Kumuyi.

Omokri had written: “First they came for the Legislature (Bukola Saraki), we did nothing, Next they came for the Judiciary (CJN Walter Onnoghen), we said nothing. Now, they have come for the Press (AIT). Will you still do NOTHING?

“This act of aggression against AIT is only possible because men of God, Like Pastor Kumuyi, refuse to speak and instead ask those who will speak not to “attack” a government that attacks our liberty. That is how they kept quiet under Abacha.”

When I read this distasteful statement, two bible verses quickly came to my Mind. Proverbs 26 vs  4 and 5.  It reads: “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.” Verse 5 reads: ” Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.” After much thought, I decided to go with verse 5 of Proverbs Chapter 26. I need to answer him, lest Omokri, become wise in his own conceit.

On April 23, 2019, Omokri had released a statement saying that his former boss, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan had called him on phoned, begging him to exercise restraint in attacking his successor, President Muhammadu Buhari.

Omokri in that statement went ahead to praise Jonathan for possessing “rare” qualities of a politician. He added that he has not met anyone as humble as the former President after late South African President, Nelson Mandela.
He stated he doubts President Buhari can make such a request to his aides if he were to be in the former President’s shoes.

” I just don’t know how God created Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. I have never met a man, whether Pastor, Imam or Pope, with as much humility as former President Jonathan,” said Omokri.

“He called me and appealed to me to show more respect and kindness to Buhari because of the office he holds. This is a man who had suffered untold hardship and persecution from this evil government. May God bless Mr. Jonathan forever.

“Other than Nelson Mandela, I can’t think of another mortal like Dr. Jonathan. Would Buhari do that to him or Obj or IBB? This is a man that even hates President Umar Musa Yar’adua in death!”

To months later, Omokri who might have allowed politics to becloud his pastoral calling is now changing the goal post at the middle of the game. For the London based writer, what is good for the goose is not good for the gander. We should kill Pastor Kumuyi for preaching what is written in the bible. 

Omokri! I want to ask you? Why judging Kumuyi and Jonathan with different standard. Jonathan advised you to stop criticising Buhari, you praised the former President to high Heavens. Kumuyi advised believers to stop attacking President, and you are inciting the public against him. Is that not double standard that the bible condemned? 

In a sermon at DCLM entitled: “The Believers’ Preservation Until the Day of Visitation”, Pastor Kumuyi had trenchantly admonished Christians and indeed, Nigerians against verbal, media or any form of attack on leaders in the country. Although, he did not mention specific name of the Leaders, but it was clear to me the revered Messenger of God was referring to every Leader in the country.

His words: “Don’t attack the President of the country whether in words or in the newspapers or through internet. Honour kings; don’t disrespect or dishonor the Governors. Don’t disrespect Leaders of the Community and leaders in the church. If we are to honour the Governors in the States, how much more the Pastors.”

Has the 78-year old Pastor, uttered anything sacrilegious? I don’t think so. Romans 13: 1-3 echoes it defiantly. It says: “ Let every soul be subject unto the Higher Powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same.

Frankly, we have no genuine reason to fault Pastor Kumuyi. The caution is timely. I have been very ashamed in recent times at the inciting comments of some ordained men of God, which are laced with hate and encouragement to violence. 

Even in the post-election era, I am not excited with many comments emanating from some churches in communiques they issued after synods or conferences on the leadership of Nigeria. Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and the Northern Christian Elders Forum, NCEF, have at different times stoke the fire of violence in public utterances, rather than quench it. I am sure, the brethren leading these religious associations would have time to ponder over Pastor Kumuyi’s message?

He deserves no such attacks from Pastors and Reno Omokris of this world who mount the pulpit to preach violence, propagate hate speeches and fan the embers of disunity.

We should rather consider the voice from Pastor Kumuyi as divinely sent to us and worthy of redeeming our weakened Pastors. Yet, we are still doubting if that could be of God’s? Are we not tired of the false teachings or promptings to violence and killings? Even the Holy Bible says, vengeance belongs to God.

Are we not tired of the false hopes being dashed every day, and systematic impoverishment, whilst some people smile to the bank and service both private jets and motorcades? Are we not tired of all the false miracles that have left many permanently incapacitated?