PFN condemns lopsided appointments, commends FG on terrorism fight

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has expressed concerns over Federal Government’s lopsided appointments into sensitive positions in its ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

It charged the government to strive for balance and adopt an all-inclusive approach in making appointments so as not to exacerbate the increasing mistrust along ethnic and religious lines in the country.

The PFN made the assertion yesterday at its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos, where it raised issues of national interest, which were exhaustively discussed.

National President of the PFN, Reverend Felix Omobude, who spoke with journalists after the meeting, however, commended the Federal Government for the progress made in tackling the Boko Haram insurgency and the efforts made to secure the release of some of the Chibok girls and rehabilitating them.

It urged government not to relent in its efforts at ensuring the release of the remaining Chibok girls and others still in the insurgents’ captivity.

Omobude noted the PFN was worried at developments in Southern Kaduna, especially the lack of timely response to guarantee the security of lives and property there, leading to loss of lives in the area.

“The PFN demands that more attention be paid to the plight of the victims of the Southern Kaduna crisis. A delegation from the PFN recently paid a visitation to Southern Kaduna and gave out N15 million worth of relief materials to the different groups, irrespective of ethnicity or religion.

On the revised basic education curriculum, the PFN expressed concern at the contention and controversy that has trailed the issue, especially the collapse of Christian Religious Studies (CRS) into Religion and National Values.

“We note the explanation by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) on some of the issues raised.

“On the compulsory study of foreign languages, as specified by the curriculum, we urge that the window be opened to more languages beyond French and Arabic to accommodate other languages like Spanish.”

“This will ensure that students enjoy greater flexibility in the study of foreign languages and not be compelled to study a language they have no interest in, as its being reported in some states,” he said.

The group also expressed concern over the activities of Fulani herdsmen, adding that most killings across the country have been linked to the herdsmen, who seem to find pleasure to kill easily, destroy farms and houses, and evade arrest and prosecution by security forces.

Omobude explained the body notes with concern the restiveness in different parts of the country and the increasing calls for a break-up or restructuring of the country, saying that the PFN restates its belief in Nigeria’s unity and a commitment to one country, where people of different faiths and tongues can continue to live together as one.