PFN Will Not Advocate Violence, Says Omobude

Reverend Felix Omobude, the former President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), has stated unequivocally that despite the deliberate targeting of Christians by terrorist groups, the PFN will not advise its members to take up arms against criminal elements. His comments came during an interview with newsmen on Sunday.

Omobude acknowledged the widespread killings and abductions targeting the Christian community across the country but stressed the need for restraint and reliance on existing legal protection channels. He affirmed there is nothing wrong with churches and individual Christians organizing protection through appropriate channels during services and activities.

Speaking on pressing national issues, the former PFN leader addressed the escalating security crisis. He emphasized that there is absolutely nothing wrong with the Nigerian government seeking external assistance from other nations to combat terrorism, given the current dire situation.

He reflected on the shocking deterioration of the country’s security environment, adding that if anyone had prophesied about fifteen years ago that Nigeria would be in this situation, people would have certainly dismissed the warning as unbelievable.

“It will be irresponsible for a leader at certain levels, for example, to call for arms, to call for violence,” Omobude asserted. He warned that “Violence will give birth to violence,” and reminded the public that Nigeria is the only nation they have.

He further cautioned the political leadership: “So our restraint is because we believe that a united Nigeria will be the best for us and I hope that those in leadership don’t take our restraint for weakness.” The church leader maintained that advocating for violence would lead to total chaos.

“The church under the situation cannot call for arms unless you want to scatter things,” he stated. Instead, the focus will remain on spiritual and political advocacy: “We will continue to pray, we continue to advocate. We will continue to also educate our people appropriately.”

Omobude also dismissed the argument that external forces coming in to help combat terrorism would impinge on the country’s sovereignty, stating that the argument “does not hold water.” He controversially added that Nigeria has, in effect, already been taken over by foreigners due to the security challenges.