…Calls for Prompt Approval to Rebuild
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has cried out that churches are the major targets of Boko Haram insurgents, pointing out that over 750 churches have so far been burnt by the Islamic extremist group.
The group expressed its concern on Thursday at an emergency meeting of its National Advisory Council held at Ajao Estate, Lagos
At the meeting, PFN National President, Rev. Felix Omobude, called for the prompt compensation of the families of those slain in the many attacks and swift approval of plans to rebuild the vandalised edifices. He expressed apprehension over the fact that church has been a major victim of the atrocious terrorist attacks in the country, while concerned authorities are also delaying in issuing permits to rebuild the destroyed ones.
“We have lost at least 750 churches in the North to attacks by terrorists. Our worry of late is that churches that are making efforts to rebuild are facing difficulty in that part of the country to secure necessary permits,” said.
“We do not want to believe that there is deliberate effort to discriminate against the church, even though churches in the North have over the years, experienced difficulty with obtaining necessary approvals for their buildings.”
About the forth coming 2015 general elections, the group’s president charged political leaders to look beyond winning elections, pointing out that leadership of Nigeria is not the birthright of anyone.
Omobude emphasised that politicians should guard against destroying the country they aspire to rule, rather they should engage in robust issue-based discourse that would not give rise to constant trading of derogatory comments.
Omobude also called on the federal government to increase its efforts to rescue the schoolgirls abducted from their dormitories in Chibok Borno State.
“We call on the Federal and State Governments to increase their level of cooperation as it is a battle that can only be won when we are all united. We salute the courage of the Nigerian army and enjoin them to rededicate themselves to this cause and expedite action in ensuring the safe return of the girls,” He said.
“We challenge them to continue to stand as one, maintain unity of purpose and ensure that proper chain of command is maintained at all times. We have faith in their capacity and dedication to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria.”
Omobude bewailed the killings carried on by Fulani herdsmen and cattle rustlers, observing that they dodge the security forces and unleash terror on predominantly Christian communities. He appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan and the governments of the affected states to take urgent steps in quelling the dastardly activities of the insurgents.