Controversial cleric Dammy Paul has attributed many of Nigeria’s socio-religious challenges to what he described as inadequate knowledge among some religious leaders.
Speaking in a video published by Agbaletu TV on Monday, July 6, 2026, Paul, who said he practiced Islam for 18 years before becoming a Christian, argued that some Islamic clerics and Christian pastors lack the knowledge required to effectively lead their congregations.
“Religion is one of our problems because most Alfas don’t know the Quran, and some pastors don’t know how to preach,” he said.
Paul maintained that his comments were not intended as an attack on any religion but as a call for greater accountability among religious leaders. He argued that unqualified clerics should not be allowed to lead worship, warning that inadequate teaching can contribute to division and the spread of doctrinal errors.
His remarks have generated mixed reactions, with some religious leaders calling for evidence to support his claims, while others questioned the competence of some faith leaders. Paul added that only knowledgeable and properly qualified clerics should be entrusted with leading congregations.
