Nigerians Will Not Forgive President Tinubu If Fuel Prices Remain High, Pastor Giwa Warns From Akure Pulpit

 

Senior Pastor of The Second Coming of Christ Ministry, Adewale Giwa, has issued a strong warning to President Bola Tinubu, stressing that Nigerians will not easily forgive his government if the current hardship triggered by high fuel prices continues unchecked.

Speaking during a sermon at his church headquarters in Akure, Ondo State, Pastor Giwa said the government has a duty to urgently cushion the effects of the subsidy removal which has left citizens battling economic strain and rising living costs. He explained that Tinubu must act swiftly or risk losing the confidence of Nigerians, especially those who placed their trust in him at the ballot.

According to the cleric, maintaining high pump prices of petroleum products could leave an indelible mark on Tinubu’s presidency. He stated that citizens will find it difficult to forget or forgive a government that deepens their suffering without offering clear solutions. “Nigerians won’t forgive Tinubu on subsidy, he has to do everything needed to remedy the situation before it’s too late,” Giwa declared.

The pastor did not stop at calling for immediate relief on fuel prices. He also urged the president to remain committed to his earlier promises of restructuring Nigeria, an agenda that has been long awaited by citizens who desire a more functional system. Giwa linked his appeal to biblical lessons, emphasizing that structural change is necessary for the nation to thrive among the committee of nations.

While referencing scriptures, he drew parallels between Tinubu’s responsibility and the work of Timothy in the early church. The cleric cited passages from 1st Corinthians 4 verse 17 and Philippians 2 verse 19, explaining that Timothy restructured and reorganized churches as God’s representative. He argued that just as Timothy carried out that mission, Tinubu must embark on restructuring Nigeria’s political and constitutional framework to ensure lasting progress.

Pastor Giwa insisted that true greatness for Nigeria will only come when the country operates on a restructured foundation. According to him, the current constitutional and political systems have failed to deliver justice, fairness, and equity, and Tinubu has a historic opportunity to lead that transformation. “For Nigeria to be great among the committee of nations, Tinubu has to fulfil his promises on restructuring,” he stated passionately.

The clergyman also used the platform to correct a common misconception within religious practice. He explained that believers do not necessarily need pastors as intermediaries to access God. Citing the story of Hannah in Shiloh who prayed directly to God despite the presence of Prophet Eli, Giwa highlighted that prayer remains a personal communication with God and does not require a human mediator.

According to him, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross eliminated barriers between believers and God. He added that through faith in Christ, Christians enjoy unhindered access to God’s grace and mercy at any time. He stressed that such divine access is not earned by human effort but is freely given by God’s love.

“Nobody should be deceived into thinking that prayers are only effective through pastors. Everyone has the privilege to call on God directly. The Bible makes it clear that we have direct access through Jesus Christ. That is the confidence we must carry as Christians,” he told the congregation.

Observers say Pastor Giwa’s message resonates with the mood across the nation. Many Nigerians continue to struggle with the effects of subsidy removal which pushed fuel prices beyond the reach of average citizens, thereby triggering inflation and making essential goods more expensive. The growing discontent has placed enormous pressure on the government to come up with workable interventions.

As debates on restructuring return to the national conversation, analysts argue that Tinubu faces a defining moment. He can either rise to the challenge and implement bold reforms that could positively redefine his legacy, or risk being remembered as a leader who failed to act when the nation demanded urgent change.

Pastor Giwa’s sermon combined both spiritual and civic responsibility, urging Nigerians to pray while also holding their leaders accountable. His dual message of faith and advocacy reflects the rising voices within the church that go beyond spiritual matters to demand political and economic justice for citizens.

Whether the administration will heed this call remains uncertain, but the urgency of his words echoes a growing frustration among the populace. For many Nigerians, the question is not whether subsidy removal was necessary, but whether the government is ready to back the policy with bold, compassionate measures to reduce suffering.

Pastor Giwa concluded his message by reiterating that history will not absolve leaders who ignore the cries of their people. He warned that Tinubu must not delay in addressing both the immediate economic hardships and the long-term structural reforms required to reposition Nigeria on a path of genuine greatness.