AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intensify the fight against insecurity and ensure that terrorists, bandits and their collaborators face the full weight of the law without exemption.
Speaking with journalists in Ibadan on Sunday, Bishop Oke described insecurity as Nigeria’s most dangerous challenge, warning that it has now overtaken corruption as the country’s greatest threat to stability, economic growth and national cohesion.
According to him, Nigerians can no longer travel, trade or live safely because insecurity has permeated every aspect of national life. He stressed that unless it is decisively addressed, it could bring the country to its knees.
The PFN President commended President Tinubu for what he described as renewed momentum in tackling insecurity, including recent changes in the security architecture and cooperation with international partners such as the United States. He particularly applauded the collaboration with the U.S. to carry out intelligence-led joint operations against terrorist elements.
“Let the wheel of justice grind heavily on people who are killing, maiming and making life difficult for Nigerians. This is our plea to Mr President,” Oke said, adding that “We commend the President for agreeing with the United States to coordinate joint military operations to flush out these elements. It is realism. If we have been fighting terrorists for over a decade and things are getting worse, then we must admit we need help.”
He dismissed claims that such cooperation amounted to surrendering Nigeria’s sovereignty, insisting it was a partnership aimed at denying criminals safe havens and restoring peace.
Bishop Oke strongly opposed the negotiation, rehabilitation or reintegration of terrorists and bandits, describing such policies as dangerous and counterproductive. He argued that there are no “repentant terrorists” and warned that integrating criminals into security structures only weakens the system from within.
“Governance is not church service,” he said. “In governance, offenders must face the full wrath of the law. People who kidnap, kill and rape Nigerians should not be treated as repentant; justice must be enforced.”
He further called on the President to flush out moles and fifth columnists within the security apparatus, whom he blamed for intelligence leaks and the needless deaths of gallant officers. According to him, the killing of senior military officers points to insider collaboration that must be decisively addressed.
The cleric also urged the Federal Government to go beyond distributing palliatives, especially during festive periods, and focus on delivering good governance. While appreciating efforts to ease hardship, he stressed that Nigerians need lasting solutions, not temporary relief.
“We need more than palliatives. We need good governance. Deal decisively with insecurity, banditry, kidnapping and corruption. Do not turn anti-corruption agencies into political tools. Be fair, shield no one and allow no safe haven for corruption,” he said.
On national unity, Bishop Oke appealed to Nigerians of all faiths and backgrounds to join hands against violence, stressing that no Nigerian should die needlessly or be subjected to extra-judicial killings. He specifically called for an end to bloodshed in states such as Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Kwara and Southern Kaduna.
He also made a passionate appeal to Islamic leaders to speak out against groups committing atrocities in the name of religion, stressing that killing innocent people has nothing to do with Islam.
Despite the challenges facing the country, the PFN President expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future. Quoting Job 14:7, he said Nigeria still has hope and will rise again despite current setbacks.
“We are not just seeing light at the end of the tunnel; we see light lining the tunnel,” he said, urging Nigerians to remain united, prayerful and determined.
Bishop Oke also commended Nigerian journalists for what he described as vibrant and courageous reporting, encouraging them to continue speaking truth to power with professionalism and love.
Reflecting on the outgoing year, he acknowledged the economic hardship, corruption and worsening insecurity Nigerians have endured, but expressed confidence that with decisive leadership and collective resolve, the nation would overcome its challenges and enter the new year with renewed hope.
The leading man of God in the country treated journalists to a sumptuous banquet during the occasion.
