31/08/2026
A Response To Victor Dollar Kambai: When Criticism Becomes Selective, Even Good Deeds Are Forgotten
BY Gbagyi Youth For Collective Progress And Memtorship
There is nothing wrong with a pastor speaking truth to power. In fact, Scripture commands spiritual leaders to uphold truth, justice, righteousness and the welfare of the people (Proverbs 31:8–9; Isaiah 1:17; Micah 6:8). But the same Bible also teaches us not to judge people based on assumptions or hearsay, nor to condemn without examining the fruit of their lives. “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). Therefore, if we are going to discuss Dr. Emmanuel Simon, let us discuss the whole man, his ministry, his humanitarian interventions, his efforts to unite Christians and Muslims, and his public convictions, rather than reducing him to a political label because he supports a government.
Has supporting a government suddenly become a sin for a Christian? Joseph served Pharaoh, Daniel served pagan kings, and Nehemiah worked within the political structure of his time. Yet none of these men lost their faith because they engaged with government. The issue is not whether a Christian interacts with or supports government; the issue is whether he compromises biblical truth. “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city…” (Jeremiah 29:7). Christians can participate in society and politics while remaining faithful to God.
And concerning Dr. Emmanuel Simon, before anyone calls him a “political hustler,” let us remember the lives he has touched. He has used his influence and resources to support orphans, empower young people, assist vulnerable members of society, create opportunities for youths and bring Christians and Muslims together. These are not the actions of someone who has completely abandoned suffering people for political relevance. A man who reaches out to orphans and vulnerable people is demonstrating the biblical command to “defend the weak and the fatherless” (Psalm 82:3), while empowering young people speaks to the biblical principle of equipping others and building people for the future (Ephesians 4:12). His efforts to promote understanding and unity between Christians and Muslims also reflect the importance of peace, cooperation and peaceful coexistence in a divided society.
The Bible does not teach us to only acknowledge the good works of people who agree with us politically. Paul said, “Let us not become weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9), and James teaches that genuine faith must be demonstrated through practical works (James 2:17). Therefore, if Dr. Emmanuel has been helping orphans, empowering youths, supporting people in need and building bridges between Christians and Muslims, those deeds deserve acknowledgment—even if you disagree with his political position.
We can condemn insecurity without condemning everyone who believes the government is making progress. We can demand accountability without demonising those who support the government. We can speak for victims without pretending that every government intervention is worthless. Christianity requires truth, fairness and balance.
We should also be honest about the fact that some pastors have gained political influence and benefits while pretending to be completely opposed to the government. That kind of selective criticism should be examined carefully. It is inconsistent to condemn one pastor for engaging with government while excusing others who enjoy political access or advantages but present themselves as neutral critics. Our standard should be fairness, not hypocrisy.
And let us be careful with the word “hustler.” The Bible says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1), and again, “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). If a pastor supports President Tinubu or believes his administration is making progress, that alone does not prove that he has sold his conscience or abandoned his calling.
You may disagree with “Relax, Tinubu is fixing Nigeria.” That is your constitutional right. But another Christian has the right to believe that despite the enormous challenges facing Nigeria, some things are improving and that citizens should not lose hope, that's another citizen constitutional right that you can't take away from him/her.
The Church should indeed speak truth to power—but truth must be spoken in both directions. If government fails, speak. If government succeeds, acknowledge it. If people suffer, defend them. If individuals are helping the vulnerable or promoting unity, acknowledge them too.
So before we accuse a pastor of abandoning the suffering, let us ask a more honest question:
Have we taken time to examine the people he has personally helped—the orphans he has supported, the youths he has empowered, the vulnerable people whose lives have been positively affected, and the Christians and Muslims he has helped bring together?
Political disagreement should never make us blind to good works.
You can disagree with Dr. Emmanuel Simon politically without rewriting his humanitarian record or ignoring his efforts to promote unity.
And as Christians, our standard should not be “Is he on our political side?” but “Is there truth, righteousness, compassion and the fruit of good works in what he does?”
Do not allow poverty to affect your life, judgment or wisdom. Difficult circumstances should not make us bitter, envious or unfair toward people who are making progress or using their influence to help others. We must think wisely, judge fairly and refuse to let hardship destroy our sense of truth and balance.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Let us debate ideas, not destroy people. Let us correct where necessary, but let us also give honour where honour is due.
Signed: GBAGYI YOUTH FOR COLLECTIVE PROGRESS AND MENTORSHIP
KADUNA POLITICAL AFFAIRS