Nigeria’s wobbling economy has crippled church, say PFN, CRM

National Action Pastoral Committee of the Charismatic Renewal Ministries (CRM) has lamented the crippling effect of Nigeria’s economy on the church.The committee expressed the concern after a three-day retreat at the ministries’ headquarters in Owerri, capital of Imo State.

Briefing journalists at the weekend, head of the CRM, and the Southeast Vice President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Dr. Cosmas Ilechukwu, said the Christian bodies were unhappy with the prevailing situation.

The clerics also flayed the ongoing electoral and political tension in the country.The statement reads: “We are not happy with the situation of the country’s country. It has almost crippled the church. It is affecting the church, and the activities of the cattle herders should be checked.

“The intimidation going on to discredit political opponents is dirty politics. As the PFN southeast chairman, I speak the minds of the PFN.”On the electoral issues, especially the collection of the Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), Ilechukwu, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain neutrality and be unbiased in the contest.He also urged the electorate, including the CRM members to collect their PVCs at designated places.

According to him: “If they maintain their neutrality, the outcome of the elections will reflect the true wishes of the electorate, and also guarantee post-election peace.”The conference condemned attempt to intimidate the press, especially the one that was meted to the Daily Trust Newspapers in Abuja and other neighbouring states.

The cleric described the fight against corruption as being lopsided, while cautioning that the arraignment of the Chief Judge of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghene, was capable of intimidating the judiciary.He implored Christians to pray for the church in tackling the existing problems.