The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has firmly denied allegations circulating about its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye. The claims, which suggested his involvement in calling off a planned protest and his silence on national issues, were refuted in a statement released on Tuesday via the RCCG Official Public Relations X handle.
Encouraging Electoral Participation
The church clarified that Pastor Adeboye has consistently encouraged members to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate in elections by voting for candidates of their choice. The RCCG emphasized that Adeboye maintains a neutral stance on political parties, recognizing that members belong to various affiliations and should exercise their civic duties responsibly.
Denial of Protest Cancellation
Addressing reports that Adeboye called off a planned protest, the church described these claims as false. It explained that the cleric merely communicated a directive from the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) regarding adjustments to a three-day prayer program. The revised plan involved holding the grand finale at a centralized venue and organizing a rally nearby. The RCCG noted that this directive originated from the PFN and was shared with all member churches across Nigeria.
Response to Silence Allegations
The church also dismissed allegations that Adeboye intentionally remains silent on national developments. It stated that the cleric has publicly addressed issues such as insecurity, corruption, economic hardship, elections, governance, and the need for righteous leadership. However, the statement noted that Adeboye approaches these matters through moral guidance, prayer, and counsel, rather than partisan political engagement or confrontation.
Call for Accurate Reporting
The RCCG stressed that neither Adeboye nor the church should be defined by false narratives and inaccurate representations. It urged the public to rely on the church's designated communication channels and authorized representatives for information. Any claim not communicated, verified, or endorsed through official platforms should not be regarded as the RCCG's position.
Responsible Journalism Urged
The statement called on bloggers, commentators, media organizations, and content publishers to uphold responsible journalism by verifying information before publication. It emphasized that accuracy and fact-checking are essential in reporting matters concerning Adeboye and the church, warning against spreading speculation and unverified claims. The RCCG maintained that the public deserves truthful information, the church deserves fair representation, and Adeboye deserves accurate reporting. The church concluded by urging the public to verify information before believing or sharing it, reiterating that truth and accuracy should remain paramount in public discourse. "Verify before you believe. Fact-check before you publish. Truth matters," the statement read.
