A Catholic priest has offered strategic and spiritual counsel to the remanded activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, expressing confidence in his eventual release but urging a significant change in his operational model.
Spiritual Counsel and a Call for Calm
Reverend Father Emmanuel Ehioma, widely known on social media as Fada Mentor, addressed Harrison directly in a detailed Facebook post published on Sunday, December 7, 2025. The priest began by sympathising with Gwamnishu over his current legal ordeal, which he suggested was linked to his past actions.
Father Emmanuel urged the activist to remain calm and "take it all," framing the suffering as a purifying experience meant to build a better person. He acknowledged their lack of personal friendship and even admitted to having publicly criticised Gwamnishu in the past for mistakes. Despite this, he extended gratitude to the activist for "giving people hope."
A Pragmatic Shift: Monetising Rescue Efforts
The core of the priest's advice centred on a pragmatic business approach to Gwamnishu's high-risk humanitarian work. Father Emmanuel stated that while Gwamnishu should ideally quit taking such risks for "world people," if he must continue, he must fundamentally change his strategy.
The priest emphatically advised that Harrison must "monetise your every move" and ensure that the police officers and soldiers he works with are also compensated. He proposed a new model where families seeking his help to free kidnapped loved ones should raise two separate funds: one for the ransom and another to pay Gwamnishu and his team for their services, even before they leave their homes.
Father Ehioma expressed his belief that Gwamnishu's current situation has revealed a harsh truth: that many people do not genuinely care for him and are "ready to run you to the ground," despite his past heroics.
Public Reaction to the Priest's Advice
The priest's post sparked diverse reactions from social media users, highlighting the public's divided opinion on Gwamnishu's case and methods.
Some commenters, like Ejike Stanley, questioned the emotional tone of the advice and stressed the importance of credibility and facts in the judicial process. Augustine Odeh pointed out the complexities of ransom payment and criticised operating without full involvement of key security actors.
However, others offered prayers and support. User NaGees' Importations wrote, "I remember you in my prayer Harrison... You will come out strong and when you do, re-strategize." Maureen Chioma Chismau joined the priest in prayers for Gwamnishu's release and strength.
The discussion also drew comparisons to other activists. Ukobong Ebedoro noted, "Same risk sheikh Gummy is taking for the people in Northern Nigeria is what Harrison is doing in the south." Mazi Uzochukwu Ozoemena used the moment to critique the demonisation of other public figures, urging support for those with good intentions.
The priest's intervention adds a new dimension to the ongoing saga surrounding Harrison Gwamnishu, blending spiritual solace with stark business advice. It underscores the intense debate about the sustainability, risks, and recognition of civilian-led rescue operations in Nigeria's challenging security landscape. As the activist remains in remand, the call for him to "monetise his every move" upon release presents a potential blueprint for how such dangerous philanthropy might evolve.
