Protect Christians, others in northern Nigeria, PFN urges govt

•Adeboye, Kumuyi, Olumakaiye preach holiness, self-denial, hope
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), yesterday, charged the Federal Government on a better security mechanism that guarantees the lives and property of Nigerians, particularly Christians, in the northern part of the country.

Its President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, who threw the challenge in his Easter message, also called on faithful to be more vigilant and prayerful during and after the celebration, as a result of the insecurity in the land.

The cleric said it has become imperative for government to direct its arsenal towards stemming the increasing cases of killings, rape, kidnappings and insurgency in Nigeria.

Oke, who doubles as presiding Bishop of The Sword of the Spirit Ministries and proprietor of Precious Cornerstone University (PCU), Ibadan, lamented that it was “disheartening for the level, the nation’s security situation had degenerated to.”

He said in addition to whatever the security arrangement government might have put in place during the festivities, Christians and other Nigerians should arm themselves with prayers and be alert.

“Security concerns should be everybody’s business and that’s why we must all learn to be taking precautions. Enough of this bloodshed in our country. Nigeria shall be delivered from the grip of the evil ones,” he prayed.

The bishop admonished that the import of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ must not be in vain, calling on the citizens to live peacefully with the fear of God

“The essence of the Easter celebration will be meaningful if we truly love one another. Our Lord Jesus Christ died and resurrected for you and I to gain eternity. All perpetrators of evil in our country should repent before it is too late. Jesus does not want any sinner to perish in his/her sins,” he further counselled

The PFN leader canvassed a solid foundation for a new Nigeria devoid of acrimony and rancour, even as he enjoined believers to be law-abiding all time.

ALSO in their homilies, the General overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi and the Bishop of Lagos Diocese, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Humphrey Olumakaiye, preached holiness, hope as well forgiveness and self-denial.

In his sermon titled “Destined to win”, Adeboye said those who believe in Christ and follow his way would emerge overcomers, the current challenges in the country notwithstanding, adding that the ultimate sacrifice had been made on the cross.

Kumuyi, on his part, said forgiveness and self-denial remained essential attributes for heaven-bound Christians, as exemplified by Christ during his crucifixion.

He spoke on the theme, “Partaking of wonders from his wondrous cross.”

Also speaking, Olumakaiye expressed the hope that Nigeria would emerge victorious from its myriad of problems.

He noted that the celebration was a historical moment of reflection of goodness and goodwill of God for humanity.

The Anglican clergy said the occasion also offers an “assurance from heaven that the nation will prevail and come out of the ruins and ashes of financial despondence, economic recession and social injustice as well as inequalities she has found herself and assuredly, the glory of Nigeria shall arise like phoenix reborn and shine forth like morning star.”