Nigerian pastor Jerry Eze, founder of Streams of Joy International and convener of the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD), is facing significant criticism following a testimony by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, during a recent church service. The governor attributed his electoral success to divine intervention, a claim that has sparked widespread debate and backlash.
In a video that went viral on January 6, 2025, Governor Okpebholo recounted his journey from senator to governor, crediting his victories to God’s favor. He stated, “In 2023, I came here for a testimony as a Senator, and by 2024, I contested for the governorship and won. What God cannot do does not exist.”The testimony was met with enthusiastic responses from the congregation.
However, the public reaction has been mixed, with many Nigerians expressing outrage over the perceived politicization of the church platform. Critics argue that allowing such testimonies, especially from political figures with contentious election outcomes, undermines the sanctity of religious spaces.
Ose Anenih, son of former Minister of Works Tony Anenih, was among the vocal critics. He took to social media to express his disapproval, stating, “God will not be mocked. There was a time when mighty men of God would speak truth to power. Today, pastors use their putrefying platforms to celebrate society’s perversions. A rigged election is what your god is using to prove his divinity? God will not be mocked, Pastor Jerry.”
Other Nigerians echoed similar sentiments, questioning the appropriateness of the governor’s testimony in a religious setting. One commentator remarked, “Imagine the congregation shouting at the top of their voices in celebration for this. For them, this God is so good. It is okay o. We deserve what has befallen us as a people.”
Defenders of Pastor Jerry Eze argue that the live nature of the service made it challenging to censor testimonies in real-time. They contend that the pastor may not have been aware of the content of the governor’s testimony beforehand and that interrupting or preventing it could have led to unforeseen consequences.
This incident has reignited discussions about the intersection of religion and politics in Nigeria. Many citizens are concerned about the increasing trend of political figures using religious platforms to legitimize their positions or actions. The debate centers on whether religious leaders should allow their platforms to be used for political testimonies, especially when the political processes involved are viewed by some as flawed or corrupt.
Pastor Jerry Eze has not publicly responded to the criticisms as of the time of this report.
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