Senate President Godswill Akpabio has sparked mixed reactions on social media after revealing that he received what he described as divine reassurance following prayers for Nigeria during his recent visit to Italy.
Akpabio had travelled to the Prayer Ground of St. Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, where he said he prayed for an end to insecurity, banditry and terrorism in Nigeria, as well as peace during the 2027 general elections.
Speaking after the prayer, the Senate President said he believed Nigeria was already in God’s hands and that the country would eventually overcome its current difficulties.
According to Akpabio, he received a message after praying that gave him confidence about the future of the country.
“After praying, God told me that I should go, that all is well. Nigeria is already in the hands of God, and God will wipe away the tears of Nigerians who are currently in pain.”
Akpabio said his prayers were not limited to himself but also covered President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the National Assembly, the Federal Executive Council and Nigerians generally. He specifically mentioned praying against insecurity, terrorism and banditry.
Click the link below to watch the video..
https://twitter.com/ChuksEricE/status/2102041747358396509/video/1?s=46
His comments, however, have generated strong reactions online, with some Nigerians questioning the decision to seek divine intervention abroad while the country continues to grapple with security challenges.
One social media user accused Nigerian leaders of prioritising their personal interests, writing that citizens needed to “wake up” and challenge what the user described as the actions of political leaders.
Another user questioned Akpabio’s statement about receiving a message from God, while making unverified allegations against the Senate President and sarcastically claiming to have received a divine message about Akpabio’s political future.
A third commentator focused on the security situation, arguing that government officials with the authority to take policy and legislative measures against insecurity should also concentrate on addressing the problem domestically rather than relying only on prayers.
Another user expressed anger over the situation in Nigeria, accusing political leaders of invoking God while Nigerians continue to experience hardship and insecurity.
The reactions reflect the wider debate surrounding the role of religious faith in addressing Nigeria’s security and economic challenges.
While Akpabio has presented his trip as a personal spiritual journey and an effort to seek divine intervention, some Nigerians online have questioned how such prayers should complement the government’s responsibility to tackle insecurity through practical measures.
The Senate President, meanwhile, has maintained that his prayers were made in good faith and specifically sought God’s intervention in the country’s security situation.
