Apostle John Okoriko, who leads the Solid Rock Kingdom Church in Akwa Ibom State, has expressed concern over the persistent tendency of Nigerians to prioritize celebration despite the severe security and economic hardships gripping the country. During a monthly service in Uyo titled ‘Miracle of Fasting and Prayer,’ the cleric urged citizens to commit to deep fasting and prayer to solicit divine intervention for the nation’s struggles.
Okoriko highlighted that fasting provides both spiritual and physical benefits, including bodily renewal and improved health. He criticized the current trend of feasting and merriment among Christians while the nation grapples with complex political and health crises. Furthermore, he addressed the growing controversy surrounding religious doctrines, specifically condemning the misuse of fasting as a punitive tool against disobedient church members or children. He concluded by calling for a shift in perspective, emphasizing that prayer should be a genuine pursuit of divine assistance rather than a weapon of discipline.