PFN warns radicals are ‘bent on turning Nigeria into a caliphate’
The National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Wale Oke, has urged the Federal Government to take stronger measures against religious extremists involved in violence across the country.
Oke made the call during the 38th Annual Agape International Convention organised by Agape Christian Ministries in Akure, Ondo State. He also urged Nigerians to seek God’s intervention as insecurity and economic hardship continue to affect the country.
The PFN president raised concerns about claims that some radical groups are seeking to establish a caliphate in Nigeria. He noted that the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and worship.
Oke condemned the use of violence in the name of religion. He said acts such as kidnapping, attacks on schools and killings remain criminal offences regardless of the faith of those responsible.
He urged the government to deal firmly with anyone who commits such crimes. Oke also called on Muslim communities to help identify extremists within their midst and hand them over to security agencies.
The cleric stressed that his remarks should not be interpreted as a condemnation of Muslims generally. He said the focus should remain on radical elements who use religion to justify criminal activities.
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Oke maintained that Nigerians should have the freedom to practise their faith without harassment. He also said people should use peaceful persuasion when attempting to convince others to change their religion.
Turning to the 2027 elections, the PFN president urged politicians to reject ethnic and religious considerations when choosing leaders. He said competence should remain central to political decisions.
Oke also called for fairness in political representation between Christians and Muslims. He argued that Nigeria’s status as a secular nation requires government to treat different faiths equally.
The bishop also demanded an Independent National Electoral Commission that can operate without political interference. He said INEC should regulate political parties and conduct elections without favouring the ruling party or any other political organisation.
Oke warned that political interference could damage confidence in Nigeria’s democracy. He said INEC should remain focused on its electoral responsibilities and protect citizens’ rights to participate freely in elections.
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The PFN leader further urged the government to maintain neutrality in religious matters. He said public institutions should not favour Christianity over Islam or Islam over Christianity.
Oke also clarified his position on church titles such as “Senior Pastor” and “Archbishop.” He explained that some titles do not appear directly in Scripture but may serve administrative purposes as churches grow.
He noted that the Bible mentions offices such as bishops and evangelists. Oke said churches can also create leadership structures to maintain order as their organisations expand.
According to him, the fact that a particular title does not appear in Scripture does not automatically make it sinful or unbiblical. He maintained that growing ministries may adopt administrative titles without abandoning biblical principles.
source : The Guardian News
Content Credit: Azeez Amosun
Image Credit: Facebook.com
