At the Recovery Conference 2025 in Bauchi State, Apostle Johnson Suleman, the Senior Pastor of Omega Fire Ministries, delivered a scathing critique of Nigeria’s current economic woes, attributing them to poor electoral choices made in the 2023 elections.
Speaking during the two-day event held on 14th and 15th of January, 2025, Suleman did not hold back.
Before the conference, he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Bala Mohammed at the Government House, lauding the governor’s leadership and hospitality.
Describing Mohammed as “a man of honour,” Suleman pledged his unwavering prayers for the state’s continued progress. He was accompanied by senior pastors, including Dr. Kingsley Aigbe.
Addressing journalists afterward, Suleman minced no words about the nation’s predicament.
He accused Nigerians of enabling their suffering through electoral decisions. “What Nigerians are going through is partly what they deserve,” he said.
“Before the election, we cried out, screamed, and yelled. The man who came into leadership (President Bola Tinubu)had no manifesto just a sense of entitlement with his ‘it’s my turn’ mantra.”
Suleman’s criticism extended to Tinubu’s administration, particularly its handling of the oil sector. “The oil sector has been plundered. In the next 10 to 15 years, I don’t think Nigerians will recover from the damage. Now, all we can do is pray,” he lamented. He urged citizens to reflect on their choices ahead of the 2027 elections, adding, “If they’ve suffered enough by then, perhaps they’ll make better decisions.”
Governor Mohammed echoed Suleman’s concerns, offering his own pointed critique of Tinubu’s policies. Warning of their potentially disastrous consequences, he remarked, “Tinubu’s policies lack vision and are leading us down a road to destruction. When I talk about tax reforms, it’s not because I oppose reform, but because I want reform with national impact. I have nothing against the president but respect.”
The governor vowed to remain vocal about federal policies he believes are failing Nigerians. “Nigerians deserve better, and I will not shy away from pointing out these shortcomings,” he affirmed, pledging to continue holding the Federal Government accountable.
The fiery rhetoric from both Suleman and Mohammed underscores growing dissatisfaction with the country’s leadership and a call for greater accountability ahead of the next electoral cycle.