Nigerian singer, Spyro, has criticized religious leaders across the country over what he described as their silence as Nigerians continue to face insecurity, violence and economic hardship.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that in a video on his Instagram page, he questioned why many churches and mosques were still carrying on with regular activities while many citizens were struggling with fear, hunger and rising tension in the country.
Spyro said he had delayed making the video because he expected religious leaders to react strongly to the situation facing Nigerians. According to him, places of worship should not ignore the reality of what people are going through.
He argued that sermons and religious gatherings should focus more on the condition of the country and also speak on behalf of suffering citizens. The singer said any church or mosque avoiding discussions about the nation’s problems was failing in its duty to the people.
Spyro also called out some well-known Christian clerics, including Enoch Adeboye, David Oyedepo, William Kumuyi and Jerry Eze, asking why they had not spoken more openly about the situation in the country.
The singer further questioned the silence of Muslim clerics and scholars, asking why influential Islamic leaders had not publicly addressed the hardship and insecurity affecting Nigerians.
Spyro said the condition of the country had reached a point where stronger action and serious conversations were needed. He also questioned why schools and normal activities were still continuing despite the challenges many people were facing daily.
He said: “It took me a while to make this video because I was waiting for the response of church and religious leaders.
“Why am I going to church where another message asides what’s happening in the country is being preached.
“Any church that is preaching any message different from what is happening in this country and not speaking for the people and speaking to the government, you’re wrong.
“Any mosque speaking about anything different from what is happening in this country, you’re wrong.
“Schools are even still opening up, why? This calls for a state of emergency. What is our limit? When are we going to say enough is enough.
“Where is Pastor Adeboye in all of this? where is David Oyedepo? Where is Pastor Kumuyi, Pastor Bolaji, Jerry Eze in all of this? where are the notable men of God that have so much influence? And the Mulsim,s where are all your sheiks? what are they saying? where are the alfas? And for the Muslims, where are your sheikhs?”