Independence: PFN Tasks FG On Insecurity, Economic Hardship, Corruption  

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has called on the federal government to urgently tackle insecurity, economic hardship and corruption, saying Nigerians can no longer afford to ignore the challenges confronting the country.

PFN National President, Archbishop Francis Wale Oke, who made the call in his Independence Day message to Nigerians as the country marked its 66th independence anniversary on Thursday, urged the federal and state governments to intensify efforts to improve the welfare of Nigerians, promote industrialisation and create an environment where businesses can thrive.

“To God’s glory, we mark another year as a people, standing at the crossroad of history. This is a day to rejoice and be glad, to lift our voices in thanksgiving for all that God has helped us to achieve and will still help us to achieve, as a nation of many tribes, many tongues, many cultures, united under one flag. It’s a time to celebrate but it is also a time for deep and honest reflection.

“For 66 years, we have seen much and achieved much, the progress we have made cannot be denied, but the challenges before us cannot be ignored.

“The peace and security of our nation are vital, for without them, there cannot be any tangible progress. Without doubt we need a framework that protects every life in this country—whether in our bustling cities or in the quiet villages, in the North or South, East or West.

“We must remove the bandits and terrorists from our forests and bring them and their financiers to justice. The Federal Government must do more and do it now. The blood of our citizens cries out from the ground, and we cannot remain silent,” he said.

On the economy, Oke said the worsening economic situation remained “deeply worrisome,” urging the federal and state governments to take urgent steps to address the hardship confronting Nigerians.

“We do not need reports or indices to tell us this. It is a stark reality staring us in the face; hence the federal and state Governments should address it more. Nigeria is endowed with resources both human and natural which should be used to improve upon the welfare of the generality of the people and not a few elites.

“It is a burden on our people, and it must be dealt with urgently and with compassion.

“Existing laws should be reviewed, and new laws should be crafted to make businesses thrive and make an average Nigerian prosper. Industrialisation of the nation should be vigorously pursued for massive economic, technological and social changes to enhance our productive capacity and improve our standard of living,” he stated.

The PFN president also condemned corruption, describing it as “an anathema to democracy” and blaming it for undermining accountability, transparency and the rule of law.

“It is a hydra-headed monster which has torn the soul of our nation apart. It has stalled our growth, drained our public resources, deepened inequality, harmed public trust, limited the youth potential and undermined justice,” he said.

Oke urged governments at the national, state and local levels to intensify the fight against corruption to ensure that Nigerians enjoy the benefits of democracy.

He also expressed concern over the production and transportation of illicit drugs through Nigeria, warning that the trend posed a serious threat to the country’s younger generation.

“It is also deeply heartbreaking to note the rise of illicit drugs being produced and transported through our country. Most troubling is the danger this poses to our younger generation, the very future of our nation.

“Much has been done, but we must strive harder to remove this evil from our land. We must protect our children, for they are a gift from God, and their destruction is an affront to our future,” he said.

Oke appealed to Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religion or social class, to unite and work towards building a peaceful and just nation.

“Let us come together at this critical juncture and commit ourselves to building a nation where there will be peace, oneness and love, a nation where justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.

“Let us stand together, with God as our foundation, to create a Nigeria that will glorify God, that will fulfill the promise of its founding fathers and will become our pride,” he stated.

The PFN leader said Nigerians must also take responsibility for the country’s progress, expressing optimism that Nigeria could still attain greatness.

“We assure you that the Almighty God is with us, but all of us as Nigerians must rededicate ourselves to Him and to the ideals of our nation. Nigeria can be great again, but we must all play our parts.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us and its progress is dependent on all of us. Let us therefore be determined to think, to speak and do only that which will move Nigeria forward and give it accelerated progress,” Oke said.

He wished Nigerians well and prayed for the continued progress of the country.