INSECURITY: Murderers can be held accountable, authorities must take action—Omobude, Former PFN Leader

As Nigeria grapples with worsening insecurity, Dr. Felix Omobude, former National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and General Superintendent of Gospel Light International Ministries, has voiced concern over the government's ability to stem the tide of violence and bring perpetrators to justice.

n

In a recent interview, Dr. Omobude lamented the recurring killings in Plateau, Benue, and other troubled states, emphasizing that every right-thinking human being must be concerned about the loss of life, which he described as a gift from God.

n

Dr. Omobude believes that the state of insecurity in the country is worrisome, with the killings in Jos, Benue, and other parts of the country being well-planned and executed, leaving one to wonder why the government has not been able to stop or reduce these incidents.

n

The general insecurity in Nigeria has heightened, with hardly any part of the country spared, and Dr. Omobude notes that some people attribute the aggravation of the situation to poverty, but the government has a primary role in securing lives and properties.

n

Dr. Omobude thinks that any responsible government should be concerned about the killings and the fact that most perpetrators are not brought to justice, and he commends the government's acknowledgement of the problem and its decision to invite external support.

n

The plan to set up a state policing system is seen by Dr. Omobude as a government response to the security crisis, and he believes that the government can do much more to address the issue, as no government can afford to ignore the daily massacres of citizens.

n

At over 80 years old, Dr. Omobude's solution to the incessant killings and worsening insecurity is the decentralization of policing, with locals encouraged to protect themselves, and he also advocates for the equipping and motivation of the military and other security agencies.

n

Dr. Omobude supports the idea of state policing, which he believes will help identify strangers and foreigners in communities, and he notes that having indigenous police who know the terrain and culture will make a significant difference in addressing the security challenges.

n

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Dr. Omobude warns politicians against prioritizing their 2027 calculations over the protection and welfare of citizens, emphasizing that if they allow hunger and insecurity to kill the people, they will have no one to rule in 2027.

n

Dr. Omobude believes that Nigeria needs selfless leaders who will formulate policies that benefit both the rich and the poor, and who will ensure peace and safety for all citizens, regardless of where they live in the country.

n

He thinks that journalists have a crucial role to play in holding leaders accountable and asking the necessary questions, especially about their antecedents and their plans for the country, and he appeals to journalists to be analytical and to help the people make informed decisions.

n

Dr. Omobude is concerned about the social consequences of the hardship faced by many Nigerians, including hunger, unemployment, and rising living costs, and he believes that the government must do more to address these problems and provide basic necessities like stable electricity and public water supply.

n

The removal of fuel subsidy has had painful consequences, according to Dr. Omobude, and the ordinary person is bearing the burden, with transportation becoming difficult and electricity unreliable, and he thinks that the government must think seriously about easing the suffering of ordinary citizens.

n

Dr. Omobude believes that the Church has a significant role to play in addressing the country's socioeconomic challenges, and he appeals to the media to be fair in their criticism, noting that not all church leaders live lavishly while many citizens suffer.

n

He emphasizes that the Church does a great deal to support society, including supporting widows, sponsoring orphans, assisting the poor, and partnering in education and healthcare, and he notes that many churches provide weekly support to people who would otherwise have nowhere to turn.

n

Dr. Omobude thinks that the Church also speaks truth to power, supporting the government when it does well and criticizing it when it fails, and he believes that to suggest the Church is doing nothing would be unfair, as many pastors, especially in rural areas, make sacrifices and serve humanity with little recognition.

n

As a practical step to bring relief to Nigerians, Dr. Omobude advises the government to invest in education, making it compulsory, especially at the foundational levels, and to implement policies that protect the poor and make basic services accessible.

n

At 80, Dr. Omobude believes that what drives division in Nigeria is the lack of true federalism, justice, equity, and the rule of law, and he thinks that the country can still remain united if it is built on these principles, with mutual respect and trust among citizens.

n

Dr. Omobude notes that the politicization of religion has contributed to division, and he advises religious and political leaders to resist being used for personal interests, emphasizing that respect for human life, honesty, mutual respect, love for one another, and peaceful coexistence are fundamental values that once held the country together.

n

He advises Nigeria's leaders to practise what they profess, whether they swear by the Bible or the Quran, and to govern with empathy, sincerity, selflessness, and a genuine love for the people, guided by the fear of God and a sense of responsibility to the masses.

n

Dr. Omobude's message to Nigerians is one of hope, urging them to continue believing in the country and its collective resolve, and to support lawful efforts to improve security, provide credible information, and hold the government accountable.

n

Finally, Dr. Omobude calls for unity in the Body of Christ, urging Christians to remain focused on the Kingdom, work together, and continue the mission of the Gospel, without division along regional lines.