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PFN wants FG to heed calls for restructuring

By Ayoyinka Jegede, Uyo
31 May 2020   |   3:52 am
As Nigerians celebrate Democracy Day, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has called on Federal Government not to ignore calls by well-meaning Nigerians to restructure the country and its internal security.

As Nigerians celebrate Democracy Day, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has called on Federal Government not to ignore calls by well-meaning Nigerians to restructure the country and its internal security.

The body also called on Nigerians to join hands with the Federal Government to fight corruption, strengthen the judiciary and maintain stable democracy. In a telephone interview with The Guardian, PFN’s President, Rev. (Dr.) Felix Omobude said anti-corruption institutions in the country should be keen in fighting corruption and ensure that Nigeria becomes a decent society. He also wants the Nigeria police to be well equipped to fight modern day crimes.

Omobude, who is also the General Superintendent of New Covenant Gospel Church in Benin City, Edo State, said until elections in the country reflect the people’s will, much won’t be achieved democratically.

Calling for independence of the judiciary, the cleric lamented methods by which judges are appointed and urged government to look into it. He said: “Elections have been badly compromised. A lot of money is pumped into electioneering campaigns, but we still have cases of ballot snatching and people being killed during elections. We can’t say those who emerged are truly by people’s will; there is still some hand-twisting to put people in position…

“Also, I think if people are not demanding for money to put people in political offices, they will be able to hold elected people accountable. We should use our votes properly.”

To strengthen the nation’s democracy, Omobude said every Nigerian must have freedom to associate, worship, practise their religion and should be qualified to aspire for the highest office in leadership, no matter where he/she comes from.

“I called on the Federal Government not to ignore the issue of restructuring. The situation where so much power is concentrated at the centre is not good enough for the country. The situation where the police hierarchy dictates from Abuja what happens to security situation in my village is not good enough for the country. We want internal security, employment opportunities for the teeming youths, as well as free and compulsory quality education for the masses,” he said.

Describing democracy as a process, he enjoined Nigerians to believe God for the best, while urging them to work hard to develop Nigeria and see it as their own country.

“I congratulate Nigerians and thank God for the journey so far. Though we are not where we ought to be, we thank God for where we are. Democracy is far better than military rule that we had for several years. We don’t want military rule again.”

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