Televangelist Chris Okafor, founder of the Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry, has voiced strong concerns regarding cyberbullying and the urgent need for regulation of Nigeria’s online landscape. Speaking at a news conference in Lagos on Thursday, Pastor Okafor expressed his discontent with the actions of bloggers and online influencers, urging the National Assembly to take decisive action.
“Nigeria must find a way to safeguard its internet space, especially to protect innocent citizens from being defamed by falsehoods that tarnish their reputations,” Okafor stated. He emphasised the necessity for legislative measures that not only regulate the digital environment but also impose penalties on offenders to deter future misconduct.
Highlighting the role of the authorities, he called upon the cyber police to enhance their efforts in tracking internet offences and bringing perpetrators to justice. Okafor’s appeal comes in the wake of personal allegations levied against him by Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, who accused him of a long-term affair and of committing serious crimes, including the murder of her brother.
During the ongoing media frenzy surrounding these allegations, Okafor described experiencing harassment from bloggers and influencers who disseminated unverified claims without affording him an opportunity to respond. “Many Nigerians suffer from the lies propagated by bloggers, often with little to no accountability. While some influencers face arrest, the vast majority evade consequences for their damaging narratives,” he lamented.
Despite the tumult, Okafor maintains that he has never met the actress in question. He further revealed that his ex-wife had previously made serious accusations against him, including attempting to harm their daughter. He attributed the escalation of these allegations to the leak of his plans to remarry, which he claims triggered a series of unfounded attacks against him.
“After initiating divorce proceedings in 2024 due to allegations of infidelity and violence, I was awarded custody of my children, and yet these false claims about my character emerged without challenge,” he noted. Okafor questioned the broader implications of these issues for ordinary Nigerians, asking, “If I, as a pastor, can endure such fabrications, what hope is there for the average citizen?”
Reassuring his congregation and the public, Okafor stated that the truth will ultimately prevail and that perpetrators of misinformation will face consequences. “In my 55 years, I have never been arrested for any crime. It is disheartening how far some individuals will go to defame others,” he concluded.
Pastor Okafor’s call for social media regulation highlights a pressing issue within Nigeria’s digital landscape, where the impact of unfounded accusations can have devastating effects on individuals’ lives. By advocating for legislative action, he aims to protect citizens from the damaging consequences of cyberbullying and strengthen accountability within the online community.
As discussions surrounding online conduct continue to gain prominence, the need for comprehensive regulations becomes increasingly evident. With the potential to safeguard the integrity of individuals and uphold the truth in public discourse, effective measures could pave the way for a more responsible and ethical digital environment in Nigeria.
