Nigerian clergyman and founder of the ministry House on the Rock, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, has ignited a major social media uproar after condemning the recent assassination attempt against former US president Donald Trump in the United States.
The incident, which involved a bullet, pierced Trump’s right ear at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.
The shooting left one person dead and another seriously injured.
Adefarasin expressed his sentiments on his official social media platform, X, on Sunday, thanking God for Trump’s survival and extending condolences to the family of the deceased spectator.
He wrote in part, “We condemn political violence in the leading democracy of the free world. We are thankful to God for the survival of former President Donald J. Trump without fatal injury.
“We extend our condolences to the family of the deceased spectator and offer our prayers for the injured. Our prayers remain for a speedy and total recovery of former President Trump.
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“Our prayers are with both candidates and the democratic process in America. As Africans, we draw inspiration from the American democratic process. Long live American democracy, and may God bless America.”
However, Adefarasin’s post was met with harsh criticism from Nigerians, who accused him of hypocrisy for failing to condemn the violence and killings during Nigeria’s 2023 elections and have called for him to practice what he teaches in church.
The backlash was swift and fierce, with many Nigerians flooding his comment section. Here are a few reactions that Tribune Online gathered.
@SavvyRinu tweeted, “Did you condemn the electoral violence against voters in Nigeria, especially the vicious threats and attacks unleashed against Nigerians from the SE in Lagos? You talk about democracy, what about the flagrantly rigged elections that were orchestrated in your country in 2023?”
@AfamDeluxo wrote, “Pastor, despite the political violence in the 2023 General elections in Lagos, where you pastor & have your headquarters, there was/has been no condemnation from you, even with video evidence and reports from EU observers. Nevertheless, carry on, sir. We all know what we are doing.”
@UnkleAyo added, “Brock Lesnar, Not once did you condemn the violence that happened in your backyard. Not once. Not once did you acknowledge the political madness that ravaged this country. Every night you go to sleep, I hope you’re safe in the realisation that you’re a useless person.”
@AjeboDanny alleged, “Oh now we draw inspiration from their democratic process but you were giving prophecies on our own with corn in your pocket ehn Paul?”
@mavisikpeme questioned, “Blind to the chaos that happened in Nigeria during the election, active for America. Is this not the hypocrisy Jesus preached against?”
