- Pastor Emmanuel Iren has intensified a heated discussion by addressing Peter Obi’s controversial statements about churches.
- Obi caused a stir in a viral interview when he proposed that Nigeria’s commitment to night vigils could be redirected to evening work shifts to enhance productivity.
- His comments led to a swift backlash on social media.
Pastor Emmanuel Iren, the founder of Celebration Church International (CCI) in Lagos, has intensified a heated discussion by addressing Peter Obi’s controversial statements about churches.
Obi, who ran for president in 2023 with the Labour Party, caused a stir in a viral interview when he proposed that Nigeria’s commitment to night vigils could be redirected to evening work shifts to enhance productivity.
His comments led to a swift backlash on social media, with some people supporting his vision for a more efficient society, while others criticized him for disregarding the spiritual practices that are significant to the nation’s culture.
On Monday, November 11, 2024, a video surfaced online showing Pastor Iren discussing a significant issue with his congregation. The video quickly gained widespread attention. In it, Pastor Iren expressed his deep respect for Obi but firmly disagreed with his views.
With the passion of a preacher standing firm, Pastor Iren emphasized the importance of spiritual gatherings. He highlighted that nothing could substitute the strength of faith and community found in church vigils.
The preacher said in the trending video:
“Everyday on the internet, you see someone say ‘having vigils everyday’. Which church do you know that has vigils everyday? Some might have vigils everyday for a season, but no church has vigils everyday.
“Please, don’t get me wrong. I have profound respect for the person who said this.
“It is part of my privileged roles in Christ, and in the body of Christ to set the record straight on some things like this. If churches don’t have vigils everyday, how often is too often? Twice a week; thrice a week?
“Do you realise, if you saw someone who goes to the gym everyday, you won’t think he is wasting economic hours? Don’t you see that the bias is hidden?
“If you saw someone who hung out with his friend thrice a week, you say ‘it is good, work-life balance’. But someone who goes to church thrice a week, we say we need to be more productive as a nation.
“First and foremost, it is the gaslighting for me. Nobody who has been in government, past or present, has the right to make such a comment. For God sake, if the people don’t go to church, have you provided jobs for them? Where are the jobs?
“I say this with all sense of humility, please don’t get me wrong: sometimes, the level of output in my life in one month, if it was someone else’s highlight for a whole year, you have tried.
“You have to understand I have like five full-time jobs. I believe in productivity, but please, don’t let anyone talk down on your devotion. your faith in the Lord. Protect it with all you have. Prayer got you here, stick to it.”
Watch the video below:
