Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has criticized the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, asserting that she should have set a better example considering Bishop David Oyedepo had prayed for her appointment as a minister. Omokri, expressing his views on his X page (formerly Twitter) on Monday, January 8, pointed out that Edu’s suspension by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is evidence that Nigeria should avoid mixing religion and politics.
Highlighting the significance of Oyedepo’s prayer, Omokri emphasized that it should have made Edu more conscious of setting a positive example. He further mentioned that despite imperfections, recent episodes, including the financial scandal involving the leaked audio labeled “Yes Daddy” and the Bishop, underscore the need to separate religion from political affairs.
In response to Edu’s suspension, Omokri suggested that Nigeria should prioritize competence and qualifications over religiosity when making political appointments. President Tinubu suspended Betta Edu from her office on January 8, 2024, citing a financial scandal as the reason. The presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, stated that the decision aligns with Tinubu’s commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in managing the country’s resources.
Edu, on her part, had earlier testified about the role of Bishop Oyedepo in her ministerial appointment. She recounted informing Oyedepo about her desire to become a minister during the Shiloh 2022 annual program of the Living Faith Church Worldwide. According to Edu, Oyedepo prayed for her, laid hands on her, and declared that it was done. She credited God for the accomplishment and expressed gratitude.
In conclusion, Omokri’s commentary emphasizes the perceived link between religious affiliations and political decisions, urging a reevaluation of such connections in Nigeria’s governance.
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