Nigerians on social media today took different poles apart as they debate Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s comment that he can never employ a female private secretary.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in his sermon at the monthly Holy Ghost Service held at the Redemption camp on Friday was admonishing young and upcoming ministers of God on the need to avoid things that could drag them into sexual immorality and sexual scandal.

He said one of the ways he has avoided scandal in over 40 years of his ordination as a minister of God is by his decision not to employ a female private secretary but a male.

He said:

“You must flee from all evil, 

“When you see a sister smiling at you in a koi-koi way, the Bible says flee, you must run like a terror

“Don’t say I’m a great man of God, I am highly anointed, ask Samson.

“I know you will say he has come again, he is old fashioned, that is what they called me when I said I will never have a private secretary who is a woman.

“No o, private secretary has to be a man, because when a woman accuses you of something, nobody will listen to you whether you’re right or wrong; be wise!

“I’m old fashioned, but I was ordained in 1975 and I’m still surviving; it’s better to be old fashioned and live than to be modern and die.”

Just as expected, his comment sparked outrage on micro-blogging site Twitter as many Nigerians hailed and commended the cleric’s decision while others opined that he was being ‘sexist’

 

See some of the reactions:

You seem to have your knickers twisted here. Let me straighten them for you. Pst Adeboye not having a female secretary working 12hrs daily is not just about him not having self control. It’s more about shielding himself from reputational damage emanating from false accusations. https://t.co/MFQg22BBBm

— Uncle Sola (@solaadio) July 6, 2019

 

Mainly “Don’t hire women as Secretaries or PAs incase they frame you of sexual harassment” – G.O
Instead of “Hey! Pastors, Dont harass women in your church, and Women if you’re being sexually harassed report to the authorities or the police. The church will protect you” https://t.co/cctC1B6jEy

— Wale Gates ???? (@walegates) July 6, 2019

So Daddy GO’s message is basically don’t hire a woman.

How about you don’t assault and rape people. Talmbout, my personal secretary has to be a man.

*Sigh*
Wo, you church people should gather your people together. I’m tired

— Atoke (@Atoke_) July 6, 2019

He quite literally didn’t say that. He said he doesnt have a female personal secretary so he’s never in a position where he is tempted. I’m struggling to see what is wrong

— The Male Arya Stark (@I_Am_Ilemona) July 6, 2019

It’s strange that Pastor Adeboye is still being dragged for saying what works for him. We are unique in our capacity and limits. Let everyone stick to what works for them as long as you ain’t trampling another… works with me.

— Babajide Fadoju (@BabajideFadoju) July 6, 2019

Some of you would never allow your husbands to have an attractive woman as “secretary”, Some of you would lose sleep if your wife works for a man as his personal secretary, but somehow Adeboye’s comment is upsetting you.

Your heads are barren farmlands.
Ko si opolo kankan nibe.

— OurFavOnlineDoctor ? ? (@DrOlufunmilayo) July 6, 2019

Jesus went around with women, visited women even spinsters, he was best friend’s with Mary & Martha, & was alone with them sometimes.

But apparently,modern day disciples of Jesus can’t have women staff because their minds are filled with carnality instead of the holy spirit

— tee Nsofor (@tillytate20) July 6, 2019

 

Pastor Adeboye is a legend. Realism has been saving lives since 1354. Some who supposedly declared themselves too anointed have either divorced, been accused of rape, or badly muddied.

If you don’t get his principled realism, the problem is with your thinking faculty, not his.

— Ayò Bánkólé (@AyoBankole) July 6, 2019

 

Why do people enjoy denying the reality they live in just to score debate points on social media?

Male Bosses having affairs with their secretaries (especially the young, good-looking ones) is literally the norm around the world.

But it is suddenly a lie today? ???

— Kelvin Odanz (@MrOdanz) July 6, 2019

Who is at fault here? You make it seem like the female secretary! Any man of God or ordinary man that can be tempted by a woman and go to the extent of rape or thought of rape, is sick and need healing. They can as well have same thought for their daughters too. It’s sickness

— kenth omoregie (@kenstine) July 6, 2019

Since the past two weeks, 9 of my female friends av shared details about how they were raped or almost raped

4 of the 9 are/were secretaries & PA(s) to male bosses that slept/attempted to sleep with them.

Pastor Adeboye is right. Not all men are strong. Guys, build ur defences! pic.twitter.com/PemTB9cjNQ

— Olamide.Olulana® (@lamide_black) July 6, 2019