- Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa has mourned controversial US activist Charlie Kirk, praising his courage
- Charlie Kirk was killed in controversial circumstances during an outing at the Utah University on Wednesday
- The cleric’s tribute post has divided opinions as many Nigerians weigh in on global issues
Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa, husband of award-winning gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, has found himself in the middle of an online backlash.
This is after penning a tribute to slain American activist Charlie Kirk.
Charlie Kirk, a polarising figure in US politics, was reportedly shot dead during a debate at Utah Valley University.
Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa mourns controversial US activist Charlie Kirk, praising his courage. Photos: @officialblessed/IG.Source: Instagram
His death shocked global audiences, with tributes pouring in from allies and critics alike.
Joining the list of mourners, Pastor Blessed took to Instagram to honour the late activist.
He described Kirk as a man of conviction, courage, and dignity who never wavered in his beliefs, regardless of opposition.
He wrote
“One thing I truly admire about Charlie Kirk is his clarity of convictions. Whether you agree with him or not, he never wavers; he boldly stands for what he believes in. That kind of courage is rare and worth honouring. RIP,” he wrote.
In another post, the clergyman called the killing “gruesome and heartbreaking,” adding that no one deserves to die in such a cruel way.
He prayed for comfort for Kirk’s family and swift justice for his killers.
Pastor Blessed’s comments quickly spread across social media, where Nigerians and other netizens questioned why he chose to eulogise Kirk. Many of the critics considered him controversial during his lifetime.
Read his post here:
Netizens blast Pastor Blessed
TheTalk.NG compiled the reactions of social media users below
@ceebeea:
“Is this what Christianity has come to? I hate that he had to die but let’s not equate Christianity with racism. If he is the standard for Christianity then what are we as Christians doing? One of the characteristics of a Christian is compassion and I have listened to him, he does not have it. Always talking about blacks, them and us. No talk of unity and solutions. Any, this is medicine after death, may his soul rest in peace”
@mind_games88:
“Yea no one deserves to die the way he was assassinated butDo you know he called George floyd a scum bag after his death? Do you know he was against the ban of guns?(Now he’s a victim of gun violence).”
@abimbolaonuorah:
“Nobody deserves to die there way he did. This same guy created chaos and massive hatred for the black people. He referred Floyd as a scumbag”
@aiv10:
“Pastor, I have to say this with love but also with truth: misrepresenting Charlie Kirk and using Christianity to cover it up is dangerous. Especially from the pulpit, and especially as a Black pastor, there’s a greater responsibility to discern before declaring a man “good.””
Pastor Blessed is married to gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. Photos: @mercychinwo/IG.Source: Instagram
Nathaniel Bassey, Victoria Orenze mourn Charlie Kirk
TheTalk.NG earlier reported that gospel singers Nathaniel Bassey and Victoria Orenze also paid their tributes to the late Kirk.
For Bassey, whose ministry often emphasizes intercession, his post read like a prayer for peace and consolation for the family left behind.
In a lengthy, fiery post, Orenze described Kirk as a “true soldier of Christ” whose death only strengthens the Christian mission.
Source: TheTalk.NG
