Peter Obi, the Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, claimed that individuals who receive financial alerts through prayer should be investigated for theft. He emphasized the importance of hard work, suggesting charitable acts as forms of tithing, and criticized leaders prioritizing personal gain over public service.
In a recent interview on the "Honest Bunch" podcast, Peter Obi, the Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, stirred controversy with his comments regarding the idea of receiving financial credit alerts through prayer. Obi asserted that individuals who claim to have received money this way should be investigated for possible theft, emphasizing a strong stance against what he sees as a reliance on spiritual intervention instead of hard work.
“God can bless hard work; God can bless productivity,” Obi stated, adding that divine favor is not bestowed upon those who do not put in the effort. He argued that attributing financial gain to prayer is misleading and implies that someone else has been wronged, insisting, “Anyone who tells you that he got an alert from praying should be arrested. He has stolen someone’s money. Simple!”
Furthermore, Obi addressed the contentious topic of tithing, proposing that acts of charity, such as helping the needy or supporting healthcare, should be considered as fulfilling the spirit of tithing. He urged political leaders to shift their focus from personal profit to genuine public service, highlighting that leadership should not be a pursuit of wealth but a commitment to serve the populace.
Obi's remarks have prompted a mixed reaction from the public, especially following his recent suggestion to transform church vigils into productive night shifts. His comments reflect a growing debate about the intersection of faith, productivity, and ethical leadership in Nigeria.
