Prominent Christian leaders in the country have called on the Federal Government to address the worsening security and economic challenges.
They have called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on economy and security, revamp policing systems, and guarantee transparent elections.
The church leaders, such as former President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Dr Felix Omobude, the Founder of the Redeemed Evangelical Mission, TREM Bishop Mike Okonkwo, former President of Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, and Prophet Isa El-Buba, addressed the nation’s issues during a news briefing organised by Cross Campaign in Ikeja, Lagos.
They depicted a bleak scenario marked by increasing insecurity, poverty, and ineffective governance, urging swift and firm action.
Dr Omobude who discussed governance and judicial independence, emphasised that the judiciary must operate free from interference and warned against undermining democratic institutions.
“We appeal to the judiciary to carry out its responsibilities independently. No one should be above the law,” he stated.
He also highlighted the importance of voter education, warning Nigerians to resist vote-buying amid economic difficulties.
“We know times are tough and hunger is prevalent, but voters should remember that their choice reflects their conscience,” he remarked.
Regarding security, Dr Omobude reiterated the necessity of decentralising police forces, criticising the current centralised system.
“The call for state police is long overdue. Centralised policing has not enhanced our security,” he explained.
He urged communities and religious groups to actively safeguard themselves legally, noting that “there are no laws against self-defence.”
Contributing, TREM founder, Bishop Mike Okonkwo described the country’s economic situation as dire, saying hardship had reached alarming levels across the country
“It is no longer hidden that the economy has worsened significantly, people are struggling, and, painfully, some are resorting to scavenging for food in a country so richly endowed,” he said.
He questioned whether those in authority were truly in touch with grassroots realities, warning that the situation had become an emergency.
“The state of the economy has become an emergency that deserves urgent national attention,” he stated.
Citing the seventy thousand Naira minimum wage and fuel prices above one thousand Naira per litre, Bishop Okonkwo said many Nigerians could no longer afford basic necessities, including housing, healthcare and transportation.
“With a minimum wage of seventy thousand Naira, many Nigerians are unable to meet basic needs,” he said, adding that electricity supply remained unreliable while diesel costs had compounded hardship.
He further decried the poor state of healthcare, education and infrastructure, noting that inequality was widening and fuelling insecurity.
“As the saying goes, a hungry man is an angry man,” he said, warning that neglecting economic distress could worsen unrest.
On the political process, Pastor Oritsejafor expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as the monetisation of democracy, arguing that elections in the country had been reduced to financial contests rather than leadership based on competence and vision.
“Today, elections seem to be less about competence or vision, and more about how much money one has,” Oritsejafor said.
He warned that candidates who depend on borrowed funds or political sponsorship often prioritise repayment over governance.
“When individuals rely on borrowed funds, they enter office already indebted. The consequence is clear: governance becomes compromised,” Oritsejafor added.
Pastor Oritsejafor urged politicians to shun violence and desperation in their quest for power.
“Do not harm lives or destroy the nation in pursuit of power, leadership is a call to serve, not an opportunity for personal gain,” he said.
He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to guarantee transparent and credible elections.
“It is unacceptable for electoral outcomes to contradict the clear will of the people,” he said, urging Nigerians to vote according to their conscience rather than party loyalty.
Providing a stark assessment of the security situation, Pastor El-Buba said the country was facing coordinated and escalating violence across multiple regions, insisting the crisis should no longer be downplayed.
“Nigeria today stands at a dangerous crossroads. Our nation is bleeding,” he said.
He cited recent killings in Plateau and mass casualty incidents in other communities, describing them as acts of terrorism rather than communal clashes.
“These are not isolated incidents, these are deliberate acts of terrorism,” he said.
Pastor El-Buba disclosed that millions of Nigerians had been displaced, with over twelve million people now living in internally displaced persons camps, while many communities had been overrun by attackers.
He expressed unhappiness that the authorities were failing to act decisively despite intelligence on the activities and locations of armed groups.
“The government knows where they are, yet what we see is a troubling pattern of inaction,” he said.
Calling for urgent intervention, he said: “The Federal Government must take decisive action, declare a comprehensive state of emergency on security and establish state policing structures.”
He noted that security agencies must be better equipped and empowered to respond effectively, warning against politicising the safety of citizens.
The clerics collectively urged Nigerians to hold elected officials accountable, question campaign promises and prioritise credible leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
They expressed hope that with sincere leadership, decisive reforms and citizen participation, Nigeria could overcome its current challenges and rebuild trust in governance
