PFN restates long-standing call for restructuring

THE Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), the umbrella body of Pentecostal churches in Nigeria has restated its call for restructuring, which has now become even more urgent, given the increasing push on the part of different groups towards tendencies that further fuel division rather than unity.

PFN made the call at the joint meeting of its National Advisory Council and the National Executive Council, which held at the Bishop’s Court, its national headquarters in Lagos.

At the meeting, various issues of concern to the Church and the Nigerian nation were discussed, with the Pentecostal leaders from different parts of the country in attendance.

In a statement signed and issued by Simbo Olorunfemi, spokesperson to the national president of the body, Rev. Dr Felix Omobude, the body noted with concern that the increasing restiveness in different parts of the country has necessitated the strident calls from leaders of thought and well-meaning Nigerians for the restructuring of the political and administrative apparatus that presently govern Nigeria.

“We note with concern, the restiveness in different parts of the country and we are of the opinion that concerted efforts have to be urgently made by the government to reassure Nigerians that their interests will continue to be guaranteed within the Nigerian entity.

“The calls validate the long-standing position of the PFN and her consistent appeal, over the years, to the government to pay attention to the calls, and activate the necessary mechanism for it,” the statement read.

The PFN also restated its belief in the unity of Nigeria and a commitment to one Nigeria, where people of different faiths and tongues can continue to live together as one. However, it called on the government to do all it can to assuage the fears and concerns of everyone and ensure the practice of Federalism in its true form.

“We urge the government to pay attention to the calls for restructuring and find a way to push for further devolution of powers while adopting an all-inclusive approach to governance and development in the country,” Omobude stated.

According to the body, the government should do more in responding to the heightened level of poverty in the land and institute further measures to address the hardship being faced by the people, especially in the face of the downturn in the economy made worse by Covid-19 pandemic.

It expressed concern about the allegations consistently made about apparent lopsided appointments into sensitive positions by the Federal Government, which tends to favour one part of the country over the other.

“We urge President Buhari and the Federal government to adopt an all-inclusive approach, not just in the manner of its appointments, but to ensure that there is a noticeable balance across ethnic and religious divides so as not to exacerbate the increasing mistrust along ethnic and religious lines in the country.

“We believe that the recent agitation and introduction of different variants of Regional and Community Policing models attests to the fact that Nigerians are yearning for an alternative approach to policing. We believe that with the introduction of a different model one that not only incorporates direct participation by other tiers of government in tackling insecurity in the country but one that will enhance the level of security in the country,” the PFN leader added.