Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and Prophet Umueke Miracle, leader of Port Harcourt-based Dynamic Flame of Fire and Miracle Ministries, have agreed to a public demonstration of miracles.
Sowore recently criticized Nigerian pastors, claiming their so-called miracles are staged performances meant to deceive and exploit followers. He argued that no church has genuinely healed the blind or made the crippled walk, dismissing religious leaders as fraudulent.
Recalling a personal experience, Sowore alleged that his father, who suffered a stroke, was taken to a church for healing, but his condition worsened instead.
“All these religious figures are fake. I have never seen a church that made a blind person see or a cripple walk. These big churches are lying to you,” Sowore stated. “Religion thrives in our society because the government is failing. If we had good governance, people’s prayer points would change.”
In response, Prophet Miracle condemned Sowore’s remarks, calling them an attack on Christianity. He insisted that miracles are real and challenged Sowore to bring a stroke patient to his church for healing. The cleric vowed to shut down his ministry if the person did not recover.
“I heard Sowore say no pastor can perform miracles. I challenge him to bring someone with a stroke. Before bringing them, let the hospital confirm their condition,” Prophet Miracle said to his congregation.
“If I pray and the person stands up and walks, Sowore must never speak publicly again. But if I fail, I will close this church permanently. Let the media be present. I am making this challenge live for the world to see.”
The pastor gave Sowore a one-month deadline to accept the challenge, setting April 4 as the final date.
Sowore, in turn, accepted but insisted that the miracle take place at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital’s stroke ward, where patients are certified sick and in urgent need of healing.
“I accept the challenge and request that the pastor take his ministry to the hospital’s stroke ward and heal the patients there,” Sowore wrote on Facebook. “There’s no need for back-and-forth. I will be watching his live stream tomorrow to publicize his healing abilities.”
When contacted for a response, a church representative, identified as David, informed Drivetvnews that Prophet Miracle was unavailable for comments.