The National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev. (Dr.) Felix Omobude, has cautioned religious leaders to desist from making unguarded and inflammatory statements that are capable of causing more crisis in the country. His advice might be connected with the recent imbroglio between the DSS and Apostle Johnson Suleiman over statements credited to the latter, wherein he called on Christian faithful to kill, if necessary, while defending themselves from their attackers.
Omobude in a press statement endorsed by his media aide, Deacon Ralph Okhiria, in Benin City, expressed displeasure over the ways and manners some influential Nigerians, including eminent religious leaders dabble into issues that were inimical to national unity and cohesion.
According to the PFN President, what was desirable at this critical period in the nation was for Nigerians, particularly religious leaders, to be peacemakers and not troublemakers.
“Rather than increase the problems facing Nigeria, we should all join hands by doing things that will bring about peace, unity and development to our country,” he said, adding that it was highly disheartening, the indiscriminate manner in which some Nigerians were fanning the embers of hatred and disunity.
“True leaders of the people, be they political, traditional or religious leaders, are those who love and promote peace and not those who are insensitive to issues that are capable of tearing the nation apart,” he said.
He further noted that the responsibility of building a virile nation should be the business of all Nigerians, stressing that there is need for all Nigerians irrespective of their political, religious and ethnic affiliations to live together in peace and harmony.
The PFN National President, however, called on the government to be accountable to the people by paying serious attention to the protection of lives and property.
Comments