Critics Lambasts Pastor Paul Adefarasin For Condemning Attempt On Donald Trump’s Life While Ignoring 2023 Election Violence In Nigeria

Critics Lambasts Pastor Paul Adefarasin For Condemning Attempt On Donald Trump’s Life While Ignoring 2023 Election Violence In Nigeria

Written By Oshiobugie John

Nigerian clergyman and Senior Pastor of House on the Rock, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, has come under fire from social media users after issuing a statement condemning the assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump at a campaign rally.

On Saturday, July 13, a bullet grazed Trump’s right ear during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The attack left one person dead and another seriously injured.

Pastor Adefarasin released a statement on social media, thanking God for Trump’s survival and extending condolences to the family of the deceased spectator. He wrote:

“We condemn political violence in the leading democracy of the free world. We are thankful to God for the survival of former President Donald J. Trump without fatal injury. We extend our condolences to the family of the deceased spectator and offer our prayers for the injured. Our prayers remain for a speedy and total recovery of former President Trump.

We applaud the rapid response of the Secret Service and are grateful that the assassination attempt failed. This allows Donald Trump to continue in the democratic process. We salute President Biden for condemning the assassination attempt and for his conversation with Donald Trump.

Our prayers are with both candidates and the democratic process in America. As Africans, we draw inspiration from the American democratic process. Long live American democracy, and may God bless America.”

However, Adefarasin’s post was met with harsh criticism from Nigerians, who accused him of hypocrisy for failing to condemn the violence and killings during Nigeria’s 2023 elections.

The backlash was swift and fierce, with many Nigerians flooding his comment section to express their displeasure. Here are some of the reactions:

• “Pastor, where were you when Nigerians were being killed during the elections? Why didn’t you speak up then?”
• “It’s funny how you can condemn violence in America but turn a blind eye to what’s happening in your own country.”
• “Your silence during the 2023 elections spoke volumes. Now you want to talk about Trump?”

The criticism highlights the growing frustration among Nigerians over perceived double standards and selective outrage from influential figures.