Former President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Rev. Felix Omobude has warned that arming Christians in response to attacks by terrorist groups could worsen the nation’s security situation.
He emphasized, however, that there is no objection to churches and Christians arranging protection through proper channels during religious gatherings and events.
Speaking with journalists on Sunday about pressing national issues, Omobude also supported the government’s efforts to seek international assistance in tackling terrorism.
Reflecting on the current state of the country, he said, “If anybody had prophesied that the country would be in this situation about 15 years ago, people would not have believed it, but here we are, it is very worrisome.”
He added, “It will be irresponsible for a leader at certain levels, for example, to call for arms, to call for violence. Violence will give birth to violence, we don’t have another nation. 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 under the situation cannot call for arms unless you want to scatter things. We will continue to pray, we continue to advocate. We will continue to also educate our people appropriately.”
Omobude further stated that Nigeria has effectively been taken over by foreign forces, arguing that concerns about international assistance infringing on the nation’s sovereignty are misplaced.
“As president of PFN for eight years, we advocated the formation of state police policy. I was happy to hear recently that the president has ordered that that be done. The centralisation of the policing system in this country is anti-development. Society has gone beyond that. When I was growing up, we had a local government authority police. They had their duties, tax collection, environmental issues and all the rest. So I don’t see any reason why we should not encourage state policing.
“I heard that American people want to come and help us. Some people are saying it violates our sovereignty. I don’t think that is right, already, our sovereignty has been violated by these insurgents who came from another country and have taken us over. It is like the military itself is infiltrated. So I don’t see what is wrong in asking for help. For external help.”
