The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has faulted the country’s political leadership, accusing them of focusing more on electoral ambitions than on tackling the growing wave of insecurity and protecting citizens’ welfare.
According to the fellowship, Nigeria’s worsening security situation is largely driven by what it described as a “distorted priority” among politicians who are more concerned with winning elections than addressing the challenges confronting the nation.
The National President of the PFN, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, made the remarks in an address delivered at the Assemblies of God Church in Calabar during the closing session of a three-day national fasting and prayer programme. His message was read by the Cross River State PFN Chairman, Dr. Trinity Ogar.
Bishop Oke lamented that Nigerians were “tired and exhausted” by persistent banditry, kidnappings and mass killings, while authorities, according to him, continue to issue promises and, in some cases, reintegrate suspected insurgents without proper prosecution.
He further expressed concern over what he described as a declining respect for human life across the country, noting that violence and insecurity had reached alarming levels in several regions.
“These are satanic acts of terror, yet political leaders continue business as usual as though nothing is happening,” he stated.
The PFN referenced ongoing violence in states such as Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Southern Kaduna, as well as the recent killing of a teacher in Oyo State, as evidence of what it described as the normalisation of insecurity in Nigeria.
Bishop Oke also criticised what he called the absence of strong political will to decisively confront criminal elements, adding that the fellowship had engaged in fasting and prayers but was now compelled to speak out.
The group called on the Federal Government to urgently fulfil its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, consider seeking international assistance if necessary, and redirect its focus from political competition to addressing insecurity across the country.