The former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has spoken out on the severe economic difficulties plaguing the nation, clarifying that the current crisis did not originate under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the prominent cleric recalled how he warned Nigerians as early as 2014 about the country’s trajectory.
A History of Unheeded Warnings
Oritsejafor revealed that he foresaw the impending challenges before the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office in 2015. According to the cleric, the nation has progressively transitioned from one level of crisis to a deeper one over the last decade.
“In 2014, I tried to warn this nation of the direction it was going,” Oritsejafor stated. “When the Buhari government was getting ready to come in, I knew that it was going to be a mess. From there, I don’t know what to call where we are now; it has grown worse.”
Addressing his long absence from public political discourse, the pastor explained that he chose to step back because his previous warnings were largely ignored by the public. He noted that when advice is repeatedly dismissed, the most logical step is to withdraw rather than force opinions on people.
Breaking the Silence Amid Growing Hardship
The decision to speak out once again, according to Oritsejafor, is driven by the unbearable hardship ordinary Nigerians are currently facing. As a spiritual leader, he emphasized the moral obligation to demand accountability from those in power.
“It has gotten to a point where I feel I have to say something… because I pastor people, they are human beings, Nigerians, and we must begin to hold people accountable for what is happening,” Oritsejafor remarked. He added that the worsening situation compelled him to step back into the public sphere to advocate for the citizens.
Reflecting on the mood of the nation, the cleric expressed deep concern over the psychological and financial toll of the economic crisis on everyday citizens, observing that the average Nigerian is currently grappling with a profound sense of hopelessness.
- Unheeded Prophetic Warnings: Oritsejafor traces the root of the current economic collapse back to political transitions in 2014-2015.
- The Role of the Church: Emphasizes the duty of religious leaders to speak truth to power and advocate for the suffering masses.
- A Call for Accountability: Urges citizens and leaders alike to address the systemic failures that have accumulated over successive administrations.
Ultimately, Oritsejafor painted a sobering picture of the country’s current state, noting that for many struggling families, their only remaining source of hope is spiritual resilience.