The Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O, has called on the Federal Government to step up efforts to address insecurity, economic hardship and unemployment in the country.
The church also urged governments at all levels to make the protection and welfare of Nigerians a priority.
The acting Spiritual Father and Chairman of the church, Most Senior Special Apostle, Pastor Gabriel Kassim, made the appeal on Friday during his maiden press conference ahead of the 86th Annual International Conference and Convention of the church at Galilee City, Orile Igbon, along the Ilorin-Ibadan Expressway.
Kassim expressed concern over the growing economic difficulties facing Nigerians, particularly the rising cost of food, unemployment and the uncertain future confronting young people.
He also highlighted persistent security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence.
“Every Nigerian life matters. No community should be abandoned to fear, and no citizen should have to live under the constant threat of violence,” he said.
He urged the Federal and state governments, security agencies and other relevant institutions to strengthen collaboration, improve intelligence gathering and ensure that those responsible for violent crimes were brought to justice.
The cleric maintained that security operations must comply with the law and respect human rights, while addressing the underlying issues contributing to insecurity.
“Security responses must be effective, lawful and respectful of human rights. They should be accompanied by efforts to address the conditions that allow violence to persist, including poverty, exclusion, weak local institutions and the absence of meaningful opportunities,” Kassim said.
On the economy, he called for increased government attention to food security, affordable healthcare, quality education, reliable electricity, infrastructure development, job creation and assistance for small businesses.
“Economic reform must ultimately improve the lives of ordinary people. We encourage policymakers to pay particular attention to low-income households and vulnerable citizens who have limited capacity to absorb rising costs,” he stated.
Kassim also advocated greater transparency in public administration, stronger anti-corruption measures and proper management of public funds, stressing that government expenditure should produce visible improvements in citizens’ lives.
“Public office is a trust. Those entrusted with leadership must remember that the purpose of government is to serve the people and advance their welfare,” he added.
Ahead of the forthcoming elections, he appealed to political parties, candidates, leaders and electoral bodies to uphold democratic principles by ensuring peaceful, credible and transparent polls.
He warned against political violence, voter intimidation, vote buying and the spread of misinformation, particularly the exploitation of ethnic and religious differences to create divisions.
“Political competition should be about ideas, policies, competence and service, not the destruction of opponents or the division of communities,” he said.
The church leader further encouraged Christian denominations and other religious organisations to work together in tackling societal problems, assisting vulnerable people and promoting peaceful coexistence.
He said religious leaders should use their influence to condemn wrongdoing, encourage reconciliation and uphold human dignity, rather than exploit their positions to manipulate or incite people.
Kassim also paid tribute to his predecessor, Prophet Emmanuel Alogbo, who died on July 30, 2026, aged 93.
He described the late spiritual leader as a committed servant of God whose contributions through prayer, evangelism, spiritual revival and church administration helped strengthen the church over several decades.
Kassim said his appointment as acting spiritual father represented a responsibility to promote service, unity, consultation and responsible leadership.
He reaffirmed the church’s commitment to spreading the gospel and providing support for vulnerable members of society.
