The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has issued a strong appeal to journalists and media organizations to ensure proper verification of photographs before publication. This call comes in response to the circulation of an old photograph of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the church's General Overseer, which was misinterpreted and used to suggest his involvement in a protest against former President Goodluck Jonathan.

In a statement released by the church's Department of Strategic Communications, it was emphasized that the photograph, which depicted Adeboye carrying a placard, was taken during a peaceful nationwide prayer walk on February 2, 2020. This event was organized under the guidance of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to mourn victims of violence and seek divine intervention for the country's security challenges. The church clarified that the image was misrepresented, as it was not a political protest but rather a spiritual exercise.

Pastor Adeboye himself addressed the misrepresentation during the church’s November Thanksgiving Service, reiterating that the prayer walk was a significant event aimed at spiritual reflection and not a political statement. "True, I carried a placard. I can’t deny that. It was important. It was a prayer walk. We wanted to pray," he stated, highlighting the original context of the photograph.

The church criticized the media for failing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the image before reporting on it. Adeboye pointed out the importance of journalistic integrity, urging reporters to verify facts before disseminating information. "That things don’t appear as they may seem. Investigate, if you have a story, before you take it to the press," he advised.

In its statement, the RCCG reiterated that the photograph had been recycled and recaptioned to create a misleading narrative about Adeboye's stance on successive governments. The church noted that independent fact-checkers had also found the claims to be unfounded, confirming that the image was indeed linked to the 2020 prayer walk and not to any protest.

The church's appeal aligns with the themes of its November Thanksgiving Service, which recognized the contributions of creative professionals, including filmmakers and writers. Adeboye urged these individuals to use their platforms responsibly, emphasizing the significant impact they have on public perception and national discourse. He called on them to promote positive values and narratives that uplift society.

"In an age when a single post can travel further than a sermon, those who shape what Nigerians see and hear should understand that their influence is a stewardship, not merely a trade," the church stated. It further clarified that while the RCCG prays for all in positions of authority, it does not endorse any political party, maintaining its commitment to moral leadership and social responsibility.

The RCCG has invited media organizations to reach out to its Department of Strategic Communications for clarification on any reports involving its leadership, emphasizing that its official channels are open for inquiries.