Nigerians React To Governor Okpebholo's Testimony At Pastor Jerry Eze’s Church

Pastor Jerry Eze, founder of Streams of Joy Church and convener of the NSPPD prayer platform, has recently found himself at the center of controversy following a testimony by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, during a church service.

A viral video from Sunday’s service showed Okpebholo publicly thanking God for his victory in the Edo State governorship election, attributing his success to divine intervention. The session moderator emphasized that God often uses “foolish things” to showcase His sovereignty, reinforcing the governor’s claim of divine favor in his electoral win.

The testimony sparked mixed reactions online. Many Nigerians expressed outrage, accusing Eze of desecrating the pulpit by allowing a testimony they felt mocked God. Critics argued that the focus on a political figure’s election win detracted from the spiritual purpose of the church service and questioned whether such a setting was appropriate for such statements.

While some defended Okpebholo’s remarks as an expression of gratitude, others questioned the appropriateness of such a testimony in a church environment, especially given its political nature.

Ose Anenih, son of former Minister of Works Tony Anenih, criticized Pastor Jerry Eze for celebrating what he referred to as societal perversions. On X (formerly Twitter), he expressed, “God will not be mocked, #RealJerryEze. There was a time when mighty men of God would speak truth to power. Today, pastors use their 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.”

An anonymous user, Peaceful Revolution (#buhilz56), questioned the appropriateness of the testimony, stating, “#RealJerryEze this is not supposed to be ooo. On your pulpit, we’re hearing such testimonies from what is a well-known situation in Edo State.”

Another user, Adewale (#Wale_A3), lamented, “When I say there are specific pastors I can never listen to, they would claim pride. But I no longer bother anymore. I listen to very few preachers these days because many others are just hustlers trying to survive.”

Chuks E (#messersEze) expressed disappointment at the congregation’s reaction, stating, “Imagine the congregation shouting in celebration for this. For them, this God is so good. It is okay o. We deserve what has befallen us as a people.”

Akongwale Patrick (#unimagbebia) voiced concerns about the commercialization of Christianity in Nigeria, writing, “When will Christianity learn from Islam? Islam doesn’t close its doors, but they don’t give room to rinse sins and ascribe sham victories to Allah. Christianity, as practiced in Nigeria, can’t take its eyes off money.”

However, some defended Pastor Jerry. User #goodthangs_ commented, “Pastor Jerry didn’t tell the rigged governor to testify. He came out on his own. Who is Pastor Jerry not to let him? It’s irritating, but what can he do?”

Therim Tanko (#TherimT56364) emphasized the divine aspect of the victory, saying, “If God didn’t want him there, no amount of rigging would put him there. Go and read the Bible carefully. God does not think like a man.”

Foreigner (#SmartSyn) defended Pastor Jerry’s actions, saying, “What would you have them do? Chase him off the premises? In this lawless Nigeria, so they’d use state power on the church? Pastor Jerry did what he had to do. In the end, it’s God’s judgment.”

Mekus (èkún) (#coly_emeks) remarked, “But should he have banned him from the church because he’s a politician? The church is for God, not for Pastor Jerry. Nigerians are too spontaneous in their reactions.”

Daprofet (#FYNEGUY2010) added, “A rigged election is subjective. You were an interested party in the election, so your bias could influence this submission.”