Cleric Asks Tinubu To Remain Neutral On Israel, Palestine Crisis

Radical preacher, Founder and Lead Pastor of The Transforming Church, Rev. Sam Oye, on Thursday, warned President Bola Tinubu to exercise caution and not take sides in the Middle East conflict between Israel and Palestine.

According to him, the advice became necessary following demands that Nigeria should cut diplomatic relations with Israel.

The Ogun State-born cleric stated these during a press conference ahead of the annual programme of the church with the theme, “The Encounter” slated for Friday, November 3 in Abuja.

He said the President should rather play the role of a mediator with other world leaders in finding lasting solutions to the age-long conflict.

Oye said the programme was aimed at inspiring Nigerians to have hope, despite the current economic challenges facing the country.

While advising Tinubu to take path of mediation, instead of identification, Oye said peace between Israel and Palestine was necessary for global peace.

He said, “I believe that Nigeria as a country has its political stance on matters like this. I am not privy to the details of that in terms of our bilateral relationships with Israel and Palestine. Now, one of the things that I want to say is that there are Christians in Palestine and there are Christians in Israel. There are Muslims in Israel and there are Muslims in Palestine.

“The whole idea which is powered by ignorance is an assumption that the Palestine is all about Muslims forgetting that right there in Gaza Strip, we have Christians there too. So I would say rather than take sides, why don’t we just help resolve the conflict?

So I will say Nigeria should follow the path of mediation, not the part of identification. I will not suggest that Nigeria identifies with Palestine or identify with Israel. I will say Nigeria should mediate to make sure that there is peace between Israel and Palestine. It’s very important that there’s peace between both countries

“Whatever has to be done, whatever role we can play, I will encourage we play such role but I will not encourage Nigeria taking side. For humanity sake, let us all work together towards peace and reconciliation.”

Explaining reason for the upcoming programme organised by his church, the religious leader lamented the high rate of depression and suicide in the country.

Oye said there was no better time to refocus people’s energy and minds than the time of turbulence.