The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria has called on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to go beyond promises and take practical steps in addressing the country’s deepening socioeconomic and political issues.
Rising from a four-day leadership retreat held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, the Christian body expressed concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation, growing inflation, and soaring cost of living, noting that citizens need to see real commitment from their leaders.
Speaking with journalists at the end of the retreat on Thursday, PFN’s National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, stressed the importance of divine intervention while highlighting the crucial role of responsible governance.
“Our perspective at PFN is that Nigeria needs divine intervention. As a spiritual body, we are committed to praying for the country and the government. However, prayers must be accompanied by decisive action from leadership,” he stated.
Bishop Bakare, who also leads Jesus is Life World Outreach Ministries based in Zaria, Kaduna State, acknowledged that Nigeria is facing some of its most difficult moments in history.
He assured that the PFN would continue to lift the nation and its leaders in prayer, asking for wisdom and strength from above.
“Nigeria belongs to God. We will continue to pray for divine guidance and initiative for our leaders, not only to know what to do but also to have the capacity to do it,” he added.
He cited the government’s initiatives such as the approval of forest guards and the proposed use of technology to secure borders, noting that while they are commendable, they must be followed through with visible results.
“These are promising policies, but the government must prove to Nigerians that it is serious about implementation. It should not just be about what the government says, it must be about what the government is doing,” he emphasised.
“Only then will the people’s trust be restored and the economy begin to recover,” Bakare stated.
He urged the government to adopt a strategic approach to governance, including a mix of dialogue and decisive action where necessary. He also underscored the urgency of investing in projects that create employment.
“When people are engaged meaningfully, there will be fewer idle hands to recruit into criminal activities. Let the evidence of commitment be visible; we will back it up with prayers, and Nigeria will be better for it,” he said.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, who joined the retreat on Wednesday, commended PFN President, Bishop Wale Oke, for maintaining a firm yet non-confrontational stance in relating with government. He also sought prayers for his administration.
Throughout the retreat, intercessory prayers were offered for Nigeria, the PFN leadership, and Akwa Ibom State. According to Bakare, the Uyo gathering marked the first retreat under Bishop Oke’s second term, which began on February 11. Previous retreats were held in Nasarawa and Oyo states.
Bakare said the goal of the retreat was to align PFN’s national leadership with the vision of the president, strengthen internal unity, and seek divine direction for the nation’s future.
“It was a platform to unite the leadership, gain their commitment, and harvest their contributions. It also served as a time to pray for the country, the body of Christ, and our host state,” he said.
He revealed that over 90% of PFN’s national executive members were present, with the majority arriving on the opening day, Monday, May 12.
The retreat also welcomed PFN patriarch, Rev. Uma Ukpai, a foundational figure in the organization. Bakare said Ukpai’s presence inspired the decision to host the retreat in Uyo.
“He came to encourage, pray for, and strengthen our leadership. His presence was a great blessing, and his counsel was invaluable,” he said.
Activities during the retreat included daily devotionals, spiritual teachings, revival meetings, and interactive sessions aimed at deepening unity and refining the fellowship’s national vision.
