Opinion: The Question Many Nigerians Are Asking About Consistency
In October 2010, barely five months after President Goodluck Jonathan assumed office following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, Pastor Enoch Adeboye and the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) publicly expressed concern over worsening insecurity, particularly the growing menace of kidnapping.
According to reports published by Vanguard Newspaper on October 10, 2010, RCCG began collecting signatures for what was planned as a one-million-man protest against insecurity in Nigeria. Pastor Adeboye's petition warned that kidnapping had become one of the nation's most serious threats and argued that Nigerians could not continue celebrating while insecurity was destroying lives and communities.
Whether the planned protest eventually took place is not the central issue. What remains on record is that the church leadership was prepared to publicly mobilize citizens and challenge the government over security concerns within months of Jonathan's administration.
Fast forward to today.
Nigeria continues to face serious security challenges. Across different regions, citizens have endured kidnappings, banditry, terrorism, communal violence, and attacks on communities. Many Nigerians believe insecurity remains one of the country's most pressing national emergencies.
This reality has led some citizens to ask a simple question: Why was there a willingness to publicly organize protests against insecurity under Jonathan after only a few months in office, yet there has been no similar nationwide mobilization under subsequent administrations despite years of continuing security challenges?
Supporters of Pastor Adeboye may argue that different situations require different approaches and that private engagement with government leaders can sometimes be more effective than public confrontation. They may also point out that religious leaders are free to choose how they advocate for national issues.
Critics, however, argue that public figures should apply the same standards regardless of who occupies power. They contend that consistency strengthens credibility, while differing approaches can create perceptions of selective activism.
Ultimately, this debate is not merely about one pastor or one president. It is about accountability, consistency, and the role of influential voices in society.
Many Nigerians believe that moral authority is strongest when principles remain constant regardless of political affiliations, personal relationships, regional interests, or the identity of those in power.
The question citizens continue to ask is not whether leaders should criticize government. The question is whether the standards used to judge one administration should be the same standards used to judge another.