Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has reignited debates about the intersection of religion and politics in Nigeria, using strong words to criticise Dr. Becky Paul-Enenche and her husband, Pastor Paul Enenche, for their roles in the country’s political and religious landscape.
In a statement made on Sunday night, responding to Dr. Becky Enenche’s recent remarks on tithing, Omokri said the “politicisation of Christianity,” was pivotal in the 2023 presidential election which led to the controversial role of the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in mobilising religious support during his campaign.
Omokri’s comments were sparked by a recent viral video in which Dr. Becky Enenche proclaimed that failing to pay tithes consistently leads believers “back to square one.”
He dismissed her claim as baseless and accused the Enenches of corrupting the Christian faith for financial and political purposes. “Becky Enenche lied,” Omokri declared.
“This woman and her husband and others like her have turned the faith that Yeshua (Jesus) gave us into a scam. They are Yahoo boys, girls, men, and women on the altar,” he added.
Peter Obi, the Church, and the 2023 Election
Omokri’s sharp critique extended beyond the pulpit, targeting Pastor Paul Enenche’s perceived role in aligning the church with political campaigns, particularly during the 2023 presidential election. Enenche, a prominent cleric and supporter of Peter Obi, had publicly endorsed the Labour Party candidate, often accompanying him to church events where Obi’s campaign slogan, “Church, take back your country,” became a rallying cry for Christian voters.
Omokri accused Pastor Enenche of exploiting religious platforms for political gain, describing his actions as a divisive tactic that undermined the church’s credibility.
“This woman’s husband was the main culprit of the politicisation of Christianity during the #NigerianElections2023,” Omokri stated. “He carried Peter Obi from church to church, where Obi told Christians, ‘church, take back your country.’”
This strategy, Omokri argued, alienated many Nigerians who viewed the merging of politics and religion as a dangerous precedent. Critics accused Obi of using religious sentiment to galvanise support in a manner that some saw as exclusionary and polarising.
Church Vigils and National Productivity
The controversy surrounding Peter Obi’s relationship with the church deepened recently when, during a podcast titled, ‘The Honest Bunch’, Obi linked Nigeria’s economic challenges to excessive church activities, particularly night vigils. He suggested that frequent vigils contribute to unproductivity among Nigerians.
“Church vigils are responsible for the unproductivity of Nigerians,” Obi said, triggering a wave of backlash from both his supporters and detractors. Many Nigerians, especially those within religious communities, perceived his comments as an attack on the spiritual practices that are central to their faith.
In response to the criticism, Obi clarified that his remarks were not meant to denigrate religious practices but to highlight the need for balance. “I respect the role of religion in our society,” he said in a subsequent statement. “My point was simply about the need to ensure our commitments to spiritual activities do not impede our productivity as a nation.”
Despite his clarification, the incident further fueled debates about Obi’s political and religious messaging, with many questioning whether his church-focused campaign rhetoric aligned with his recent critique of religious practices.
Omokri’s Broader Critique
Reno Omokri seized upon the controversy to amplify his criticism of Pastor Enenche and Peter Obi, accusing them of hypocrisy. He referenced Pastor Enenche’s fiery comments during the election period, when the cleric allegedly pronounced curses on those he claimed rigged the election against Obi.
“This same Paul Enenche heaped curses on those he claimed rigged the election and chested Peter Obi. He did this on the altar, and it was recorded,” Omokri said.
Omokri also took a swipe at Pastor Enenche’s predictions about President Bola Tinubu, noting that Tinubu’s health has seemingly improved since taking office.
“Today, President Bola Tinubu looks healthier than when he assumed office. So much for Enenche’s curses!” he remarked.
Omokri’s critique wasn’t limited to the political arena; he also contrasted the monetized version of Christianity practiced by figures like the Enenches with the teachings of Yeshua (Jesus) and even Islam.
“Rather than this altered and monetised farce, Islam is far better than the poisonous and cancerous commercial Christianity these opportunists teach to fleece Nigerians,” Omokri declared.