By Ihechi Enyinnaya
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party(LP)Peter Obi, has refuted recent media reports suggesting he called for the dismantling of churches in Nigeria. In a statement from the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), the organization emphasized that the interpretation of Obi’s comments during a recent interview has been distorted to serve a misleading narrative.
Obi, a devout believer, sought to highlight the need for a productive integration of faith and work, referencing biblical principles to argue that faith should be accompanied by action. He quoted scripture, stating, “Faith without works is unhelpful,” and emphasized the importance of hard work in his message.
The controversy arose from Obi’s remarks about transforming traditional night vigils into productive “night shifts.” He aimed to stress the importance of active worship through labor, drawing parallels with biblical figures like Jesus, who called his disciples from their work as fishermen and tax collectors.
POMR spokesman Ibrahim Umar stated that the sensational headlines misrepresent Obi’s intentions, which focus on fostering a culture of productivity rather than undermining religious practices. Umar pointed out that Obi’s campaign is centered around transitioning Nigeria from a consumption-based economy to one driven by production.
In his defense, Umar reiterated that the essence of Obi’s message is to encourage Nigerians to engage in both faith and productive work, promoting a holistic approach to worship that aligns with the principles of diligence and responsibility outlined in scripture.
The POMR urged the public and media to reject any misleading interpretations of Obi’s statements, asserting that his focus remains on building a prosperous Nigeria through active participation in both faith and labor.