Pastor Emmanuel Iren Releases Statement After Backlash Over Comments Against Peter Obi
Reacting, in a new statement, he noted that his disagreement is not an attack on Obi.
The founder and Senior Pastor of Celebration Church International (CCI), Emmanuel Iren has released a statement following the backlash that followed a statement he made against Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 election.
He had countered Obi for saying that Nigeria needs more night shifts instead of night vigils.
After his comment, he was lambasted on social media as some Nigerians said they see nothing wrong with Obi's comment.
Reacting, in a new statement, he noted that his disagreement is not an attack on Obi.
He later apologized to Nigerians.
See statement below:
"I see that this video has made rounds on this platform.
These days, one has to clarify everything because most of us see everything to the lenses of our bias. Few things to note.
1.For the records, I have been an avid Peter Obi supporter. I posted a picture of us on this platform. Ironically, just about a month ago, I praised him for his culture of modesty, and how Christians should emulate that.
2.There are indeed Christians who rather than working towards a great nation are ‘only’ praying that the nation “moves forward”. No amount of prayer will be substitute for productive labour, and electing the right people to lead the nation.
What then is my issue with the statement?
http://1.To insinuate that instead of vigils we should have night shifts is a fallacy of false dilemma. Even in more developed countries, most people don’t work night shifts. Church Vigils are not the reason people don’t work night shifts. If you want more morning, afternoon or night shifts, hold the government accountable! Even then, let people do what they want to do with their personal time
2.Almost no Church holds vigils “Mondays to Fridays and both morning and night”. I know this will still fly over some heads so let me break it down;
⁃Thrice a week may be a lot but it is not everyday.
⁃Having 20 days of vigil is still not everyday.
⁃Also, most multiple meetings in Churches are had by different subgroups of people in Church and not everyone.
So why say “Mondays to Friday”? It’s called a “straw man” argument- to present the worst possible scenario so you can win an argument.
http://3.Like I said, if the average Christian does not go to Church more than twice (or at most thrice) a week, the generalization reflects a bias.
Going to the gym that many times is not too much.
Socializing that many times a week is not too much.
But going to Church is hurting the productivity of the nation? That is simply dishonest.
If you aren’t a believer and you see no point in spiritual exercise, I understand. But even then, people should have the right to do what they want with their personal time.
4.The Church has helped the nations productivity in a tangible way. There are a lot of soft skills that are developed in Church. Music, photography, videography to mention a few. Even most of the secular artistes horned their gift in Church.
This is not to discredit the person of Mr Peter Obi. I just beg to differ, which I very well have the right to as a stakeholder.
I remain a supporter of his ideologies.
Regards."
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