Singer Spyro has doubled down on his criticism of religious leaders over the country’s worsening insecurity, insisting that pastors and clerics who remain silent are enabling oppression.
Reacting to backlash he received after earlier calling out Nigerian pastors and religious institutions, the singer said church leaders have a responsibility to speak for their members during difficult times.
According to him, any pastor who refuses to address the insecurity crisis publicly is indirectly supporting the system responsible for citizens’ suffering.
Spyro stated that while the government remains largely responsible for the situation, religious institutions should also be held accountable because millions of Nigerians look up to them for leadership and guidance.
Referencing the recent kidnapping of school children and teachers in Oyo State, the singer questioned why more influential pastors and clerics have not publicly intensified pressure on authorities over insecurity and violence affecting ordinary Nigerians.
His words in part …
“Every pastor in Nigeria, if you’re not speaking up right now over the high rate of insecurity in the country, it means you are part of the system and an øppr€ssor. As a pastor, you’re responsible to your members because they attend your churches, so you need to speak up. Yes, the government is the problem, but I have every right to hold the church accountable. Imagine what those kidn@pp£d school children & teachers in Oyo State are passing through.”