Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has dismissed the recent comment by Pastor Femi Lazarus concerning Nigeria's security problems as embarrassing.

Pastor Lazarus, founder of the Sphere of Light Church, recently alleged that the recent show of concern by the United States over Nigeria’s internal affairs is not genuine but a deliberate move to create division within the country.

MyNigeria reported that US President Donald Trump announced recently that he might send troops to Nigeria if the government fails to stop the killing of Christians in the country.

Reacting, Pastor Lazarus stated that America’s claim about Christians being killed in Nigeria is not innocent, suggesting it is part of a wider plan to destabilise the nation.

“When Goodluck Jonathan was in power, Nigeria needed to buy certain things to fight the battle against insurgency, and it was America that blocked us,” Pastor Lazarus revealed.

He warned that the sudden interest from the U.S. is a strategy to divide Nigeria so they can later interfere for their own benefit. “They are showing interest because they know that will divide the country; once they come in, anywhere they step b¥rns,” he added.

According to him, nations blessed with abundant natural resources often face foreign interference. “The only country richer than us in terms of mineral resources is Venezuela.

Anywhere there is wealth b¥rns. Let’s be careful—they may seem to be bringing help, but the aim is to penetrate and keep us bound,” he concluded.

Reacting, lawyer Effiong stated that Pastor Lazarus's comment portrays him as someone who has been compromised

He said on X, "I genuinely like @FemiLazarus_ and some of his messages. My admiration for him once led me to his Church, Sphere of Light in Ikeja, on a given Sunday for service. However, I have noticed that he has been changing in ways that aren’t admirable. He is behaving and talking like someone who has been compromised. His preaching has been diluted and his understanding of the Bible and sound doctrine is being questioned regularly.

"His recent posturing has been nothing short of embarrassing. While I respect his fundamental right to express his opinions, it is important for him to understand that religious leaders who speak carelessly or pander to the political establishment will not be shielded from criticisms.

"Femi Lazarus’s latest comments about the killings in the country show that he is on a different path. My message to him is simple: Brother Femi, If you cannot condemn the mass killings in Nigeria, it is better for you to remain quiet like some of your fellow pastors.

"America will not be dabbling into our internal affairs if our government was not criminally irresponsible and incompetent. You suggested that this government must be doing something right.

"My suspicion is that the tithes, seeds and offerings you have been collecting have not reduced significantly. This may have given you a delusional understanding of the true situation of things in Nigeria. The Apostles of old spoke truth to power consistently. If you cannot condemn the evil in this land, do not downplay the evil or trivialize the suffering of those whose lives have been ruined by failure of governance."

ASA