CCYF Condemns Sowore’s Disrespectful Remarks Against Christian Leaders
The Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF) has strongly condemned what it describes as the recent disrespectful and abusive remarks made by activist-politician Omoyele Sowore against esteemed Christian leaders in Nigeria.
In a statement released on Monday, the Forum expressed deep disappointment over Sowore’s derogatory comments, calling them baseless, offensive, and completely unacceptable.
Signed by its Convener, Adama Paul James, the statement emphasized that labeling respected Christian leaders as failures, uneducated, or jobless is not only false but also a deliberate attempt to undermine their significant contributions to both spiritual and intellectual discourse.
The Forum warned that such reckless statements have the potential to incite religious tensions and disturb societal peace. It, therefore, urged Sowore to desist from further attacks on Christianity and its leaders, cautioning that any additional insults will be met with a firm and decisive response.
The statement reads:
“We, the Concerned Christian Youth Forum, have taken note of the recent disrespectful and offensive remarks made by Omoyele Sowore against Christian leaders. Such behavior is entirely unacceptable.
“To refer to our Fathers of Faith and Pastors as failures, uneducated, or jobless is not only preposterous but also highly disrespectful. The time has come to put an end to Sowore’s persistent attacks on Christianity and its distinguished leaders.
“It is regrettable that he has chosen to denigrate the achievements and contributions of some of the most revered Christian leaders in Nigeria—individuals who have excelled in their respective fields and earned the admiration of millions.
“Prominent leaders such as Bishop Francis Wale Oke, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, Bishop David Oyedepo, Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Pastor D.K. Olukoya, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, Dr. Pastor Paul Enenche, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Apostle Johnson Suleman, Pastor Poju Oyemade, Apostle Joshua Selman, Pastor Jerry Eze, Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, Pastor Godman Akinlabi, Pastor Emmanuel Iren, Pastor Korede Komaiya, and many others—too numerous to mention—possess impressive academic achievements in addition to their years of dedicated service to the faith.
“Sowore must recognize that these individuals are not only spiritual leaders but also intellectual figures who have garnered respect worldwide. Academically, he pales in comparison to many of them. How can anyone in their right mind label a First-Class Mathematics graduate or a Professor of Mathematics as uneducated?
“It is evident that Sowore’s remarks are fueled by ignorance and hostility rather than by facts. His insults further confirm his lack of decorum and depth, revealing an attention-seeking approach aimed at gaining relevance.
“We urge him to reconsider his stance and refrain from further attacks on Christianity and its leaders. The Concerned Christian Youth Forum will not remain silent while our faith and leaders are disrespected and misrepresented.
“This statement serves as a strong warning to Omoyele Sowore and those who share his views that any further attacks on Christianity or its leaders will be met with an even stronger response. Sowore must understand that his reckless statements and actions carry significant consequences and could potentially incite religious disharmony in an already fragile society.
“We call on the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to take note of Sowore’s inflammatory rhetoric and its potential threat to national peace and security. Religious sensitivity is a critical issue, and his reckless approach must not be overlooked.
“As a Forum, we stand in unwavering solidarity with our Christian leaders and faith. We will not tolerate further attacks against them and will continue to uphold their honor and integrity.”