‘I don’t owe you accountability’ – Pastor Emmanuel Iren fires back at critics

Pastor Emmanuel Iren, founder of Celebration Church International, has responded to critics questioning his public silence on certain national issues with a firm message. In a statement shared across his platforms, the outspoken cleric pushed back against the growing expectation that religious leaders must publicly weigh in on every political or social issue, especially on social media. His response was both a defence of his track record and a challenge to what he described as performative outrage online.Citing humanitarian work done by his ministry in Plateau State alone, Pastor Iren laid out a list of initiatives his church has quietly supported over the years: covering medical costs for a man whose arm was amputated by bandits, sending clothes to villages in need, and sponsoring children on scholarship for five years, partnering with missionaries on the ground, and helping families escape violent attacks.“All of these without noise or paparazzi,” he said, emphasising that his team acts from compassion, not clout-chasing. “Like people who actually care and not to ‘score points’ in the public eye.”Today, where silence is often interpreted as complicity, Iren’s refusal to engage on certain trending issues has drawn criticism, particularly from online users who believe public figures owe their audiences consistent commentary on societal matters. But Pastor Iren disagrees.“Except you are a member of my church, I don’t owe you any accountability,” he said pointedly. “You do not tell me when or how to speak up. I do not hold a public office. Maybe holding the leaders who do accountable will be a better idea.”His message? Church leadership is a covenantal relationship, not a public office. Unless you’re a congregant, you’re not entitled to backstage access. Grow up!Social media is not real life.In Plateau alone (not even the whole north), last year we;- Paid for the treatment of a man whose arm was amputated by bandits.- Sent clothes to villages- have had kids on scholarship for five years now- Partnered with missionaries-…— Apostle Emmanuel Iren (@pst_iren) April 17, 2025 The bigger conversationPastor Iren’s comments strike at the heart of a growing cultural tension: Should influential leaders, especially pastors, be “obligated” to speak out publicly every time tragedy strikes? Or is there room for private impact that doesn’t require online validation?For some, his comments offer a refreshing reminder that good work doesn’t always come with a camera crew or hashtag. For others, it reads as a dodge; a refusal to leverage influence in the most visible way possible.RECOMMENDED: #JP2025: Inside the glamorous wedding of Priscilla Ojo and Juma Jux