Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has reiterated its call for the Federal Government to activate necessary mechanisms for the restructuring of the federation.
National President of PFN, Rev. Felix Omobude made the call in a statement following the recent joint meeting of its National Advisory Council and the National Executive Council in Lagos.
The fellowship noted that the renewed stringent calls for restructuring among diverse groups were proof that many Nigerians were desirous of it.
Apparently referring to the ongoing EndSARS protests in the country, PFN said the Federal Government urgently needed to activate the necessary mechanism and legal backing for the setting up of state police in the country.
“We believe that the recent agitation and introduction of different variants of Regional and Community Policing models attests to the fact that Nigerians are yearning for an alternative approach to policing,” the fellowship said.
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“We believe that with the introduction of a different model one that not only incorporates direct participation by other tiers of government in tackling insecurity in the country but one that will enhance the level of security in the country.”
The fellowship noted with concern “the restiveness in different parts of the country and we are of the opinion that concerted efforts have to be urgently made by the government to reassure Nigerians that their interests will continue to be guaranteed within the Nigerian entity.”
The statement further read, “We restate our belief in the unity of Nigeria and a commitment to one Nigeria where people of different faiths and tongues can continue to live together as one. However, we call on the government to do all it can to assuage the fears and concerns of everyone and ensure the practice of Federalism in its true form.
“We urge the government to pay attention to the calls for restructuring and find a way to push for further devolution of powers, while adopting an all-inclusive approach to governance and development in the country.
“The PFN urges the government to do more in responding to the heightened level of poverty in the land and institute further measures to address the hardship being faced by the people, especially in the face of the downturn in the economy made worse by COVID-19 pandemic.”
PFN said it was worried about allegations of lopsidedness in appointments to sensitive positions being made against the current administration.
“We urge President Buhari and the Federal government to adopt an all-inclusive approach, not just in the manner of its appointments, but to ensure that there is a noticeable balance across ethnic and religious divides so as not to exacerbate the increasing mistrust along ethnic and religious lines in the country,” the fellowship stated.