Dr. Paul Enenche, the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre in Abuja, is facing scrutiny following a sermon he delivered last Sunday. A coalition of Civil Society Organisations has issued a warning to security agencies against arresting Enenche and other clerics. This warning comes after the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council called on the Department of State Services to invite Enenche, alleging that his sermon was inciting.
The coalition, which includes the Arewa Youths for Peace and Security, the Pentecostal Association of Nigeria, the Salute Nigeria Initiative, and the Global Network for Sustainable Development, argues that speaking out against electoral malpractices and rigging should not be construed as inciting violence. Phil Roberts, the National Coordinator of GNSD, expressed concern that if the call for Enenche’s arrest is allowed to stand, it could set a precedent for targeting other clerics who publicly support their preferred candidates in the upcoming February 25 elections.
Roberts characterized the statement made by Dele Alake, Special Adviser on Media and Communications for the APC, as a direct affront to democracy and freedom of speech in Nigeria. He dismissed the statement as an unwarranted threat to Enenche’s life and a violation of his fundamental human rights. Emphasizing Enenche’s rights as a citizen and religious leader, Roberts stated that he is entitled to express his opinions on national issues.
Furthermore, Roberts highlighted the church’s role as a vital member of society, noting that it bears a significant burden due to poor governance. He asserted that the church should not remain silent while the nation faces potential crises. “We will not allow our fathers of faith to be intimidated,” he declared, warning that the implications of this situation could extend beyond Enenche if such intimidation is permitted, particularly regarding the choices made by religious leaders before the election.
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