Portable has condemned Nigerian pastors for their silence following a recent surge in terrorist attacks, particularly the Palm Sunday assault on Christians in Jos. The singer, whose real name is Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, questioned why religious leaders have not taken stronger public stances despite the growing threat. He accused pastors of prioritising personal safety, noting they travel in bulletproof vehicles while their congregants remain vulnerable. "Why are Nigerian pastors not fighting for Christians? They use bulletproof cars yet their followers are dying," Portable said. He contrasted the response of Islamic leaders with that of Christian pastors, asserting that attacks on Muslims or traditionalists trigger immediate backlash, but violence against Christians is met with indifference. According to Portable, rather than mobilising protests or demanding government action, many pastors remain passive even as attacks persist.
Portable's critique exposes a credibility gap between Nigerian pastors' public personas and their absence in moments of communal crisis. The fact that he singled out their use of bulletproof cars while congregants die underscores a perception of self-preservation over leadership. For many Nigerians, especially Christians in the Middle Belt, this silence reinforces doubts about whether their spiritual leaders will ever risk comfort for advocacy. Without tangible action, speeches and sermons mean little in the face of recurring bloodshed.
