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Tag: PFN

  • Bishop Wale-Oke lays out plans for PFN

    Bishop Wale-Oke lays out plans for PFN

    Bishop Francis Wale-Oke, the newly elected president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has said his administration will make a real difference to Nigeria in dire need of divine intervention.

    A statement from his Media Aide, Mr Kayode Oladeji, stated that Oke made this known on Thursday in his acceptance speech.

    Oke was on Tuesday night unanimously elected as the PFN seventh National President for a four-year term by National Advisory Council (NAC) of PFN at its meeting in Enugu, Enugu State.

    He said: “We plan to deploy massive prayers with effective fasting, massive evangelism with discipleship, uncompromised teaching of God’s word, coupled with the doing of it, massive social and charitable works and care for the needy.

    “We plan to mobilise youths massively and engage them in the Pentecostal traditions in order to tap into their potential for church and nation building.

    “As we seek the Lord together, we shall listen to the Holy Spirit and do all that the Lord will lead and enable us to do by His Spirit.

    “With the full cooperation and support of all of us, we shall make a real difference and bring a real change to a nation in dire need.

    “Indeed, it is an unusual time for the whole world, and more for our nation that is at a crossroad at this hour.

    “But with the help of the Lord, and by tapping into the grace and resources He has made available to us, as His children, we shall make a real difference to a nation in dire need of divine intervention.’’

    He thanked Revd Felix Omobude, the immediate past President for his mature and inclusive approach to leadership.

    The new PFN president also thanked all members of NAC for their prayers and choice of the new Executive, saying, “together we shall take PFN to greater heights, through the help of the Lord.”

    Oke said that the PFN has come a long way, starting with the vision of the founding fathers, and the great leadership of our past Presidents including Revd James Boyejo and Pastor Enoch Adeboye.

    According to him, others are late Archbishop Benson Idahosa, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, and Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, who have led the Fellowship in the past, taking it to the great and enviable height it is today.

  • BREAKING: PFN elects Bishop Wale-Oke as National President

    BREAKING: PFN elects Bishop Wale-Oke as National President

    Bishop Francis Wale-Oke, the Presiding Bishop, Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Ibadan, has been elected as the new National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) for a four year tenure.

    A statement by Mr Kayode Oladeji, media aide to Wale-Oke, on Wednesday in Ibadan, said the cleric was unanimously elected by PFN National Advisory Council (NAC), on Tuesday, in Enugu State.

    Oladeji said Wale-Oke , who was the National Deputy President of the fellowship before his election, would be taking over from Rev. Felix Omobude, the General Superintendent of New Covenant Gospel Church, who had completed his tenure.

    He said Wale-Oke, who is also the proprietor of the Precious Cornerstone University (PCU) Ibadan, was elected as the 7th helmsman of the fellowship.

    According to the statement, other elected officers of the fellowship are Archbishop John Praise Daniel of Dominion Chapel, Abuja, National Deputy President, Rev. Cosmas Ilechukwu of Charismatic Renewal Ministry, Owerri, National Secretary.

    Rev. Sam Aboyeji of the Foursquare Gospel Church, was elected as the National Treasurer, while Pastor John Ayodele of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) emerged as the National Auditor.

  • BREAKING: Gunmen kidnap PFN chairman, wife in Kaduna

    BREAKING: Gunmen kidnap PFN chairman, wife in Kaduna

    Apostle Emmanuel Egoh Bako, Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has been kidnapped.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Apostle Bako, who is also the Secretary of Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders’ Association was kidnapped along with his wife, Pastor Cindy Bako on Christmas Day.

    They were kidnapped by gunmen at their residence in Albarka Camp, at Fadan Kagoma, near Kafanchan.

    At the time of filing this report, the kidnappers were yet to make contacts with the family.

    Meanwhile, a young man was also kidnapped along with the apostle and the wife.

     

    Details later….

  • PFN writes Buhari , demands compensation for killings targeted at churches in Nigeria

    PFN writes Buhari , demands compensation for killings targeted at churches in Nigeria

    The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to put an end to unending cycle of violence and killings in Nigeria,while stressing that compensation be given to churches, other affected persons .

    The body, in a communique issued at the end of its special stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos and signed by its National President, Dr Felix Omobude and its National Secretary, Apostle Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, lamented the the spate of killings, banditry, kidnapping, violence, wanton destruction of lives and properties across the nation, saying Nigeria has reached such a totally unacceptable level to warrant immediate and complete review of the security arrangement of the nation.

    “The PFN calls on the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to do what it was elected to do by putting an end to this unending cycle of violence and killings in Nigeria, as security of lives and property is the primary constitutional duty of the government. We enjoin President Buhari to live up to his campaign promises and execute the responsibility of his office by defending the life of every Nigerian, no matter the ethnicity or religion.

    “We wish to remind our President that he is the President of every Nigerian and that he, along with all our elected officials, have responsibility for the safety and security of all Nigerians. The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) notes that from the onset, Boko Haram has left no-one in doubt that the Church in Nigeria is its principal target. Its activities, especially the kidnapping and barbaric killings of Christian Clergymen, clearly establishes its evil mission and objective.

    “On account of the monumental losses the Church in Nigeria has suffered with the destruction and burning down of thousands of churches and houses by insurgents and rioters across the Northern states of Nigeria, the PFN renews its call for adequate compensation to be paid to all affected persons and churches. We believe that the fair and just thing is for the government to come up with a remediation programme to compensate victims for the hardship they have suffered,” it said.

    The PFN restated its call for the Federal Government to activate the necessary mechanism and legal backing for the setting up of State Police in the country, saying it believed that the recent agitation and introduction of different variants of Regional and Community Policing models attested to the fact that Nigerians were yearning for an alternative approach to policing, one that incorporated direct participation by other tiers of government in tackling insecurity in the country.

    The body said it was highly concerned at the intolerable level of poverty across the country, worsened by the high level of unemployment, especially among the Youths.

    “We believe that the heightened anxiety in the land and spike in heinous crimes that we are witnessing correlates with the high level of unemployment in the country. We call on the government to urgently address the issue of youth unemployment and find ways to tap into our areas of competitive advantage to help with the creation of investment, entrepreneurial and employment opportunities.

    “The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) is disturbed that millions of Nigerian children are out of school. We see this as a ticking time bomb, one which has not only provided tools for crime and terrorism in the past, but one that can only provide a recruitment pool for terrorism and all sorts of crimes in the future. The PFN believes in the transformational power of good education. We call on government at all levels to ensure free and compulsory education for all Nigerian children, up till secondary level, as a means of breaking this chain of poverty.

    “The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) restates our call for the reform of public institutions to make them truly independent and in line with global best practices. We are disturbed at the fact that never in the history of Nigeria has our democracy been as corrupted as it is today. We call on the Federal Government, under President Muhammadu Buhari, to institute necessary reforms to deepen the democratic process by delivering to Nigerians a corruption-free electoral system,” it added.

    According to PFN, the institutions of government should not be seen to be working for one political interest or the other, as they should discharge their duties without fear or favour, eschewing partisanship in their conduct, ensuring that the interest of the nation comes first in all their activities.

    It called on the Federal Government to take on-board the calls for the restructuring of the country, sauying the body was of the view that it would not be out of place for the country to explore restructuring to be considered in a holistic manner to bring about more inclusiveness, such that all the fault lines presently causing tension can be addressed in a way that will promote peace and unity in the country.

    The PFN further called on Buhari and the Federal Government of Nigeria to work assiduously to ensure the release of those held in captivity by Boko Haram, and its likes especially Leah Sharibu, the Chibok girls, as well as other Nigerians being held captive.

    “The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria PFN calls on all patriotic Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic, religious or party affiliations to come together and work with the Federal Government to end the violence that has bedevilled Nigeria so that the country may enjoy peace again. We should not politicise the issue of security or bring partisanship into it, rather we should work with the greater interest of the nation at heart.

    “The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) will continue to work with like-minded institutions and individuals for the peace and progress of Nigeria. We pledge to continue to pray and work towards securing lasting peace in every part of our nation,” the body said.

  • PFN rejects FG’s new marriage certificate fees

    The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has alleged that churches are being targeted by the Federal Government following the new marriage certificate law introduced by the Ministry of Interior.

    PFN’s National President of the fellowship, Rev.(Dr.) Felix Omobude lashed out at the Ministry of Interior over the imposition of a compulsory N30,000 charge licence for Christian worship centres for the conduct of statutory marriages in churches and N21,000 for each marriage certificate.

    He alleged that it is an attempt to commercialize Christian marriages in the country.

    Omobude called on the Federal Government to shelve the unpopular policy which he said is exploitative and targeted against Christian marriages in the country. He added that they will use every legal means to stop the new marriage certificate law.

    He said; “This is very unfair and to the best of our understanding, the new law is targeted against the Church because the Traditional and Islamic weddings are exempted from paying the new marriage certificate fees.

    “PFN is at a loss as to why Church Marriages should be in the exclusive list of the nation’s constitution. The PFN, therefore calls on the Federal Government to immediately shelve the unpopular policy targeted against Christian marriages in the country.

    “If the Ministry of Interior is in dire need of funds, it should look elsewhere and resist the temptation of placing an extra financial burden on the Christians and their churches.”

  • Nigeria heading for revolution- PFN declares

    The General Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Apostle Nuhu Kure, has declared that there could be an uprising in the country if insecurity in the land was not nipped in the bud.
    Kure warned that the Fulani herdsmen saga currently assailing the nation could endanger the existence of the country if not genuinely tackled by President Muhammadu Buhari’s government
    He gave the warning in Ibadan when he visited the Presiding Bishop of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Bishop Wale Oke who is also the National Vice President of the PFN.
    Kure who also visited the Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, condemned the economy and security situations in the country, stressing, “Yes, they may say the economy is growing, but the people are suffering. There is much anguish in the land.
    “There could be a revolution if nothing is done urgently. Again, one must warn that the persistent Fulani herdsmen saga can actually truncate our nation called Nigeria, now or later if not properly addressed.”
    He stated that with the level of consciousness among Nigerians, it would be difficult for the government to hoodwink them under any guise.
    He said, “Nigerians can no longer be caged. It will be difficult to carry out any lopsided agenda in the land again. Nigerians can hardly suffer anymore fool, gladly.”
    On the suspended Ruga scheme, the PFN National Secretary who is also the founder and President of the Throneroom Trust Ministry, Kafanchan, Kaduna State, said it was not something that the Federal Government could force down the throats of Nigerians by sanction.
     

  • Election Postponement cannot change will of God for Nigeria – PFN

    Election Postponement cannot change will of God for Nigeria – PFN

    The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria has charged Nigerians to remain unperturbed in spite of the postponement of the 2019 general elections by a week.

    PFN appealed to Nigerians, particularly Christians, not to give up, saying that the postponement would not change the outcome of the elections.

    This is contained in a statement by PFN National Vice-Chairman (South-South), Bishop Simeon Okah.

    He urged the electorate to turn out en masse to cast their votes for the candidates of their choice.

    The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, had announced the postponement of the elections owing to logistics problems on Saturday.

    Okah said, “Let us all understand that postponement of election date cannot postpone or change the will of God. We must remain positive and speak positively to all our neighbours.

    “Speak positively about the elections. We must remain resolute and ensure we cast our votes.

    “No action should weigh us down or deter us. Except you want things to remain the way they are. But if you want real change, then be ready to make all sacrifice.

    “By the grace of God, next Saturday, we should all come out again and ensure we vote.

    “We do not have any country other than Nigeria. We must remain and build it together.

    “God will not allow the devices of the enemies of this nation to prevail.”

  • Benue: Stop killings in one month or …PFN warns Buhari, security agencies

    Worried by the incessant killings in some parts of the country especially in Benue State, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to raise up to the challenge immediately or risk being voted out of office in 2019.

    The call by the PFN was also supported by the Primate of the African Church, His eminence Dr. Emmanuel Udofia.

    Udofia said this on Thursday at a press conference heralding the 2nd biennial conference of the church held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Imepe, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

    The PFN, Vice-President (South-South), Bishop Simeon Okah, said if the Federal Government did not stop the killings by the killer herdsmen in the next one month, the PFN would organise a massive protest that would hold the country to a standstill.

    Okah, who spoke at a press conference on Thursday at Enerhen in Effurun, Delta State, challenged Buhari to bring his wealth of experience as a former general and military leader to bear by tackling the unwarranted killings particularly in the North-Central geopolitical zone.

    The PFN Vice-President, who doubled as the presiding Bishop of Flock of Christ Mission, also called for the immediate resignation or sacking of all serving military chiefs in the country including the Director General of the Department of State Services; the Inspector-General of Police and other sister agencies for failing to nip the killings in the bud.

    While commending the American President, Donald Trump, for advising President Buhari to tackle the killing of Christians, Okah alleged that what the killer herdsmen and their sponsors were after in the North was to kill anyone who mentions the name of Jesus.

    “While we feel so concerned is that the people in the Middle-Belt are not animals or chickens that should be murdered. The issue is not just that they are Christians, but they are human beings. We expect that President Buhari will take action because these people who are being slaughtered all voted for him in 2015.

    Udofia noted that the country was sitting on the keg of gun powder and the President was not doing enough to check the country’s slide into anarchy.

    He said, “One of the proverbial statements of our elders says ‘the chicken sweats, but it is not known to man because of its feathers.’

    “I acknowledge that Mr. President, within his human possibility is doing his best, but with the critical situation of Nigeria, the best as of today is not meeting the challenges of this day.”

    He equally condemned the recent snatching of the mace in the Senate, describing the action as exercise of power without regard. He said instead the current bickering among the arms of government they should close ranks and work together to make Nigeria the envy of other countries.

    He, however, called on all Nigerians to join hands to fight corruption as it had permeated every area of the society, adding that Buhari could not do it alone.

    The cleric also urged Christians to embrace politics to turn things around positively in the country, by contesting elective positions in the forthcoming election.

    He said, “It is not enough to sit down at home and criticise government, Christians must also come to vote and be voted for.”

  • 2019 polls: PFN urges Nigerians to shun divisive speeches

    The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has urged Nigerians to shun divisive speeches which create tension among various ethnic and religious groups in the country.

    Deputy National President of PFN, Bishop Wale Oke, stated this at the Edo State Government House in Benin City, at the weekend on a courtesy call to Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    Bishop Oke said political and religious leaders, Nigerians in general must work towards promoting unity among the people.

    “We all as Nigerians should emphasise what unite us as a people rather than what will create lines of division amongst us,” he said.

    He noted that Nigeria as a country is stronger together, adding, “Political, religious leaders and other Nigerians must avoid politics of ethnicity and religion which are capable of dividing the country”.

    “Nigeria belongs to all of us and as such, we must make effort to build the country through collective efforts. Let’s emphasise what unites us, as one indivisible nation,” he further stated.

    The cleric urged Nigerians to hold leaders accountable by ensuring political office holders deliver on campaign promises such as security, education and other dividends of democracy.

    “Let our political leaders tell us in concrete terms what they are doing to protect lives, stop the killings, kidnappings and other issues confronting the country,” Bishop Oke said.

    He tasked political office holders to be more responsive to the people and urged those yet to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to do so in order to participate in the forthcoming elections.

    Governor Obaseki tolled the same lines with the Bishop, saying, “We should always remember that we are our brothers’ keeper and must imbibe the teachings of our faiths on peaceful coexistence by shunning acts that divide rather than unite us as Nigerians”.

    The governor noted that the peace being experienced in the state could be attributed to prayers of religious leaders, adding, “I will continue to encourage spiritual leaders to always pray and work for the peaceful coexistence of all the people in the state and country”.

     

  • Dapchi Christian girl: Archbishop of Canterbury offers to contribute to negotiations

    After weeks Dapchi Christian girl, Leah Sharibu, has remained in lone captivity, and as Nigeria continues to battle Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen menaces, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has repeated his offer to contribute towards peace negotiations in the country.

    The Archbishop of Canterbury, following his January’s tweet, reiterated his offer to contribute towards any peace negotiations while fielding questions on the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria put to the British government in the House of Lords on Monday.

    “I once again exhort President Muhammadu Buhari and other authorities, civil and religious, national and international, urgently to build a coalition to end this violence immediately.

    “In communications earlier this year with the Primate of All Nigeria, His Grace Nicholas Okoh, I offered to contribute towards such effort to the extent such might be useful. I repeat that offer again, knowing, however, that within Nigeria are all the skills needed for resolution of the suffering of the people.

    “My condolences go to those who have lost loved ones and property. I urge the authorities to seek for ways to ameliorate their sufferings and losses. I call on all people of goodwill to continue to pray for the peace of Nigeria,” Archbishop Justin said.

    TheNewsGuru reports President Buhari had assured the parent of the lone girl in Boko Haram’s captivity and the entire Dapchi community that he won’t abandon her because of her bravery not denounce her religion.

    However, weeks after, Leah Sharibu is still in captivity; even after the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, confirmed that the Boko Haram terrorists were set to release her.

    Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had called on all churches and Christians to use the occasion of Easter to offer prayers to God for Leah Sharibu’s freedom and safe return.

    Others, including the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, have appealed for the safe return of Leah Sharibu.