…bemoans increasing trend of insults on Christian leaders
AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria has dismissed allegations linking a recent nationwide prayer programme to the Redeemed Christian Church of God and its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, describing the claims as false, misleading and baseless.
In a statement issued by the Fellowship’s Media Bureau, the PFN National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, said the prayer programme was conceived, approved and executed solely by the Fellowship.
According to him, the initiative followed a meeting of the PFN National Executive Council on May 19, 2026, where members deliberated on the country’s worsening socio-economic and security challenges.
He explained that the council subsequently directed Pentecostal Christians nationwide to observe a three-day fasting and prayer programme, culminating in gatherings across states under the supervision of PFN leadership.
Bakare stressed that neither Adeboye nor the RCCG played any role in initiating or directing the exercise, adding that the church merely participated as a member of the Fellowship.
The PFN further clarified that the programme coincided with Pentecost Sunday, a globally observed Christian event commemorating the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Bakare disclosed that a proposal for public processions and the use of placards was later suspended due to security concerns and the need to prevent criminal infiltration.
He said the decision reflected the Fellowship’s commitment to public safety and peaceful conduct. The cleric noted that the exercise successfully mobilised Christians to pray for the nation while communicating citizens’ concerns to those in authority.
The Fellowship also condemned what it described as increasing attacks and derogatory remarks against respected Christian leaders, warning against the spread of false narratives and defamatory content.
Commending RCCG for participating alongside other Pentecostal churches, Bakare said the church’s involvement was in line with its longstanding support for collective Christian initiatives.
He reaffirmed PFN’s commitment to national development, justice, good governance and prayers for Nigeria under the leadership of its President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, while urging Nigerians to reject misinformation and embrace truth in the interest of national unity and progress.
