Opinion
Tackling The ‘Men Of God’ Phenomenon
The advent of COVID-19 has given new currency to the word ‘pandemic’, and since early 2020, the eyes of people across the world have been opened to the fact that we are living through a multiplicity of concurrent pandemics. Currently, everyone living in Nigeria is aware that there is a pandemic of incompetence, incapacity, nepotism, tribalism, and mediocrity at all levels. As a result, all national indicators are tilting towards a failed state. A case in point is the recent Kuje Prison break that happened at the very heart of the country’s seat of power. However, this article is about a very different kind of pandemic; the type that has chosen to ravage the flock of Christ and unsuspecting members of the public.
Recent events, especially in Nigeria, have shown that Christianity the world over is facing a pandemic of unimaginable proportions. This is the pandemic of the ‘ Men of God’, or prophets; and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is short of answers to deal with the growing menace of fake pastors and teachers, fake prophets, and charlatans preying on the innocent and the simple minded.
Two recent events spoke very loudly to this issue and the urgency needed to act decisively can not be taken for granted. The first was the murder of a young lady by an Abuja- based Pastor and his son. According to the story, the young lady was killed and her body was chopped into several pieces and disposed of in bin bags. The other event was the story of 77 Church members, including adults and children, hypnotised by their Pastor, who promised them that the rapture would happen in September, 2022. The crimes committed by these men and women of God include, but are not limited to rape, human trafficking, drug trafficking, human sacrifice for money and power, money laundering, and counterfeiting. . Unfortunately, the evidence is overwhelming, and it is even happening in the most unlikely places.
These men of God are enmeshed in a myriad of sexual misconduct cases. Some have been exonerated for the lack of evidence, like the case of Pastor Biodun Fatoyibo who was accused of rape by the wife of popular Nigerian musician, Timi Dakolo, and also accused of sexual misconduct by some others from his church, including one Else Walter. Or, the case of South African – based Nigerian Pastor, Tim Omotosho, who was accused, and convicted of molesting about 30 young ladies in the Quazulu-Natal. Or, the case of the Pastor of Life and Power Bible Church, Ogijo, Ogun State, who a congregant accused of rape during night deliverance prayers. There are also cases of human trafficking and money laundering involving men who occupy pulpits, claiming to be preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Men of God, like Pastor Marvelous Odalo, who was arrested in Edo State for trafficking a young lady of 22 years to Russia for prostitution. Or, the case of Pastor Sunday Adeyemi and his wife who were arrested in Ughelli, Delta State for trafficking one Miss Oghenefejiro Obotakpore to Libya.
In July 2021, Pastor Sabastine was arrested in Kontagora, Niger State, in the company of three other men for the possession of counterfeit N1000 notes to the tune of N15.8 million. There is also the case of Pastor Kelechi Vitalis Anozie, who was arrested in Enugu State, following a tip-off by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for advanced fee fraud of $182,000 carried out against two American citizens.
Earlier in the year, Christians across the country were thoroughly embarrassed by the well publicised arrest of Rev. Ughochukwu Emmanuel Ekwem, by the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, with 54 sticks of cannabis wrapped around his body. Meanwhile, he was on his way to Kenya for a three weeks crusade. They have deified themselves in the eyes of members of their congregation to such an extent that men wear their faces on bracelets and necklaces, and call their names rather than calling the name of the one who shed His blood on the cross.
It is very disheartening that the litany of cases has not compelled CAN to take decisive action. It is true that CAN has disavowed a few charlatans teaching erroneous doctrines, but it has refused to develop clear mechanisms to weed out the wolfs in the midst of the flock and deter potential rogue general overseers (GOs). During a speech in 2017, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, pointed to the fact that the Church is now embroiled in white-collar crimes through negligence and acquiescence; it has become an active player by providing cover for the concealment of criminally acquired assets and the proceeds of corruption. In the same vein, the General Overseer of Sufficient Grace and Truth Ministry, Bishop Seun Adeoye, remarked in February, that the acts attributed to fake pastors in Nigeria are worse than the mayhem caused by bandits. Evidently, the Bishop was speaking for millions of Nigerians who have been burnt by these men of God. It is clear that nothing would change this narrative until measured steps are taken to reel in the beast in these men and women of God. These people have such an ungodly appetite for money. Can you imagine where a Prophet would ask his congregation to pay N310, 000 for rapture?
CAN must act, it must work in consonance with the government to reduce the activities of these people to the barest minimum. In my opinion, it should push for a moratorium of at least 10 years for the opening of new Churches; and potential Church founders, or GOs and their pastors must possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree or a postgraduate diploma in Theology. This might sound simplistic, but it would cause these men to think again. In the United Kingdom, Churches are treated as a charity, and as such, their books are open for public scrutiny, it should be the same here. Pastors cannot be allowed to use Church funds for their personal needs at will. Even if they are the GOs, they must be on salaries, and pay their tax just like every other person; and those stupendous personal gifts they receive should also be scrutinised. Every Church must agree to a reporting mechanism, and routine full disclosure of Church accounts to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrup Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) for the purpose of accountability and transparency.
Nigerian pastors should live in such a manner that like Jesus, they can say “the devil has come, and he has nothing in me”(John 14:30); or, like Paul, they can say “I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold or clothing” (Act 20:30).
By: Raphael Pepple
Opinion
Restoring Order, Delivering Good Governance
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been anything but calm in 2025. Yet, a rare moment of unity was witnessed on Saturday, June 28, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, appeared side by side at the funeral of Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, Wike’s late uncle. What could have passed for a routine condolence visit evolved into a significant political statement—a symbolic show of reconciliation in a state bruised by deep political strife.
The funeral, attended by dignitaries from across the nation, was more than a moment of shared grief. It became the public reflection of a private peace accord reached earlier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. There, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought together Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers to chart a new path forward.
For Rivers people, that truce is a beacon of hope. But they are not content with photo opportunities and promises. What they demand now is the immediate lifting of the state of emergency declared in March 2025, and the unconditional reinstatement of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all suspended lawmakers. They insist on the restoration of their democratic mandate.
President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the entire structure of Rivers State’s elected leadership and appoint a sole administrator was a drastic response to a deepening political crisis. While it may have prevented a complete breakdown in governance, it also robbed the people of their voice. That silence must now end.
The administrator, retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas, has managed a caretaker role. But Rivers State cannot thrive under unelected stewardship. Democracy must return—not partially, not symbolically, but fully. President Tinubu has to ensure that the people’s will, expressed through the ballot, is restored in word and deed.
Governor Fubara, who will complete his six-month suspension by September, was elected to serve the people of Rivers, not to be sidelined by political intrigues. His return should not be ceremonial. It should come with the full powers and authority vested in him by the constitution and the mandate of Rivers citizens.
The people’s frustration is understandable. At the heart of the political crisis was a power tussle between loyalists of Fubara and those of Wike. Institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly, became battlegrounds. Attempts were made to impeach Fubara. The situation deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, and governance was nearly brought to its knees.
But the tide must now turn. With the Senate’s approval of a record ?1.485 trillion budget for Rivers State for 2025, a new opportunity has emerged. This budget is not just a fiscal document—it is a blueprint for transformation, allocating ?1.077 trillion for capital projects alone. Yet, without the governor’s reinstatement, its execution remains in doubt.
It is Governor Fubara, and only him, who possesses the people’s mandate to execute this ambitious budget. It is time for him to return to duty with vigor, responsibility, and a renewed sense of urgency. The people expect delivery—on roads, hospitals, schools, and job creation.
Rivers civil servants, recovering from neglect and under appreciation, should also continue to be a top priority. Fubara should continue to ensure timely payment of salaries, address pension issues, and create a more effective, motivated public workforce. This is how governance becomes real in people’s lives.
The “Rivers First” mantra with which Fubara campaigned is now being tested. That slogan should become policy. It must inform every appointment, every contract, every budget decision, and every reform. It must reflect the needs and aspirations of the ordinary Rivers person—not political patrons or vested interests.
Beyond infrastructure and administration, political healing is essential. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike must go beyond temporary peace. They should actively unite their camps and followers to form one strong political family. The future of Rivers cannot be built on division.
Political appointments, both at the Federal and State levels, must reflect a spirit of fairness, tolerance, and inclusivity. The days of political vendettas and exclusive lists must end. Every ethnic group, every gender, and every generation must feel included in the new Rivers project.
Rivers is too diverse to be governed by one faction. Lasting peace can only be built on concessions, maturity, and equity. The people are watching to see if the peace deal will lead to deeper understanding or simply paper over cracks in an already fragile political arrangement.
Wike, now a national figure as Minister of the FCT, has a responsibility to rise above the local fray and support the development of Rivers State. His influence should bring federal attention and investment to the state, not political interference or division.
Likewise, Fubara should lead with restraint, humility, and a focus on service delivery. His return should not be marked by revenge or political purges but by inclusive leadership that welcomes even former adversaries into the process of rebuilding the state.
“The people are no longer interested in power struggles. They want light in their streets, drugs in their hospitals, teachers in their classrooms, and jobs for their children. The politics of ego and entitlement have to give way to governance with purpose.
The appearance of both leaders at the funeral was a glimpse of what unity could look like. That moment should now evolve into a movement-one that prioritizes Rivers State over every personal ambition. Let it be the beginning of true reconciliation and progress.
As September draws near, the Federal government should act decisively to end the state of emergency and reinstate all suspended officials. Rivers State must return to constitutional order and normal democratic processes. This is the minimum requirement of good governance.
The crisis in Rivers has dragged on for too long. The truce is a step forward, but much more is needed. Reinstating Governor Fubara, implementing the ?1.485 trillion budget, and uniting political factions are now the urgent tasks ahead. Rivers people have suffered enough. It is time to restore leadership, rebuild trust, and finally put Rivers first.
By: Amieyeofori Ibim
Amieyeofori Ibim is former Editor of The Tide Newspapers, political analyst and public affairs commentator
Opinion
Checking Herdsmen Rampage
Do the Fulani herdsmen have an expansionists agenda, like their progenitor, Uthman Dan Fodio? Why are they everywhere even the remotest part of other areas in Nigeria harassing, maiming, raping and killing the owners of the land?”
In a swift reaction, The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) decried and strongly condemned the invasion by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
In his denunciation, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke described the incident as very unfortunate and deeply troubling, warning against a recurrence of the violence experienced in Benue State. “The killing of yesterday is bad and very unfortunate. We are getting preliminary information about how the herders gained access to the farmland, and it appears some hoodlums may be collecting money and granting access illegally.”
He called on the Hausa community in Rivers State to intervene swiftly to prevent further attacks.
“We want the Hausa community in Rivers State to take urgent action to ensure these issues are resolved”.
But will such appeal and requests end the violent disposition of the Fulani herdsmen? It is not saying something new that the escalating threat and breach of peace across the country by the Fulani herdsmen or those suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, leaves much to be desired in a country that is bedevilled by multi-dimensional challenges and hydra-headed problems.
Some upland Local Government Areas of Rivers State, such as Etche, Omuma, Emohua, Ikwerre, Oyigbo, Abua, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, have severally recounted their ordeals, as herdsmen invaded farmlands, destroyed crops, raped female farmers and killed protestant residents.
Again the wanton destruction of lives and properties which no doubt has overwhelmed the Nigerian Police, makes the clamour for State Police, indispensable. The National Assembly should consider the amendment of the Constitution to allow States to have their Statutory policing agencies.
Opinion
Is Nigeria Democratic Nation?
As insurgency has risen to an all time high in the country were killings has now grown to be a normal daily activity in some part of the nation it may not be safe to say that Nigeria still practices democracy.
Several massacres coming from the Boko Haram and the herdsmen amongst all other insurgencies which have led to the destruction of homes and killing, burning of communities especially in the northern part of the country. All these put together are result of the ethnic battles that are fought between the tribes of Nigeria and this can be witnessed in Benue State where herders and farmers have been in constant clashes for ages. They have experienced nothing but casualties and unrest.
In the month of June 13-14, the Yelwata attack at the Guma Local Government Area by suspected gunmen or herdsmen who stormed the houses of innocent IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) claiming the lives of families, both adults and children estimated to be 200 victims. They were all burnt alive by these unknown gunmen.
This has been recorded as one of the deadliest insurgencies that had happened in recent years. Some security personnel that were trying to fight the unknown gunmen also lost their lives.
Prior to the Yelewata attack, two days before the happening, similar conflict took place in Makurdi on June 11, 2025. 25 people were killed in the State. Even in Plateau State and the Southern Kaduna an attack also took place in the month of June.
All other states that make up the Middle Belt have been experiencing the farmers/herders clash for years now and it has persisted up till recent times, claiming lives of families and children, homes and lands, escalating in 2025 with coordinated assaults.
Various authorities and other villagers who fled for safety also blamed the herdsmen in the State for the attack that happened in Yelwata community.
Ehebha God’stime is an Intern with The Tide.
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