Bishop Francis Wale Oke, President of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samuel Oladele, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on insecurity and the rising cost of living, stating that Nigerians are grappling with worsening economic hardship and escalating security challenges.
Oladele noted that many promises made by political leaders during the electioneering, including improved security, stable electricity supply, affordable healthcare, and better living conditions, have yet to translate into tangible benefits for citizens. Speaking through the Secretary-General of the church, Pastor Emmanuel Mapur, during the send-forth ceremony of the immediate past Financial Director of the church, Pastor Johnson Omitinde, in Ibadan, the cleric said the current realities demand urgent intervention by the Federal Government.
Oladele urged the President and other political office holders to revisit their campaign promises and take decisive steps to address the country’s challenges. He disclosed that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has scheduled three days of fasting and prayers from June 12-14, 2026, to seek divine intervention over the worsening insecurity and economic difficulties. He also appealed to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to intensify efforts toward securing the release of pupils and teachers abducted in schools at Oriire Local Council.
The cleric described Omitinde as a disciplined, peace-loving, and dependable church administrator whose contributions helped stabilize the church’s financial management system during his decades of service. In response, Omitinde expressed gratitude to God for sustaining him through more than 30 years of service and urged young Nigerians to embrace integrity and perseverance rather than seeking quick wealth, stressing that enduring success is built on strong moral values and dedication.
Adeboye Calls for Divine Partnership
In a related event, the General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, called on Nigerians and leaders at all levels to cultivate a strong partnership with God as a pathway to personal advancement and national transformation. Speaking during the church’s June monthly thanksgiving service, themed “Divine Partnership,” held at the RCCG National Headquarters, The Throne of Grace, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, Adeboye said individuals who maintain a consistent relationship with God will experience uncommon promotion, progress, and preservation.
According to Adeboye, divine partnership has the capacity to elevate a person from the lowest rung of life to the highest position, while continued faithfulness ensures sustained success and relevance. He warned that anyone who abandons such a relationship risks losing the benefits and elevation previously enjoyed through divine favor.
The service, which focused on prayers for bankers and professionals in the financial sector, also featured remarks from the Special Assistant to the General Overseer (Administration) and Pastor of RCCG Region 1, Dele Balogun. Balogun said the church deliberately chose the financial sector as the focus because of its strategic role in shaping the nation’s economy. He noted that the message centered on the need for individuals and institutions to make God their “Senior Partner,” stressing that such a relationship guarantees success and victory over life’s challenges. Balogun described bankers and financial professionals as critical drivers of economic growth and commended the sector for introducing initiatives aimed at sustaining economic activities and improving national productivity.
PFN Refutes Allegations Linking Prayer Gathering to Adeboye
Meanwhile, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has strongly refuted allegations linking the recent nationwide prayer gathering and related activities to Adeboye, describing such claims as false, misleading, and entirely baseless. In a statement by the Media Bureau of the Fellowship, National Secretary of PFN, Bishop David Bakare, said the program in question was conceived, approved, coordinated, and executed solely under the authority of the PFN. He stated that it is unfair, irrational, and deeply unfortunate for anyone to attempt to attribute the program to Adeboye or the RCCG.
Bakare emphasized that the RCCG never called for any protest, as the program was entirely a PFN initiative. He stressed that all directives, instructions, and operational decisions originated from PFN leadership without any interference whatsoever from Adeboye or the RCCG. Every church that participated, including the RCCG, simply complied with the directive of the Fellowship as responsible members of the Pentecostal community.
Bakare noted that the final day of the program coincided with Pentecost Sunday, a globally recognized Christian observance commemorating the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church. The PFN specifically commended the RCCG for standing alongside other Pentecostal churches in support of the initiative. It warned individuals and groups against the circulation of false narratives and misleading reports, as well as defamatory content aimed at discrediting respected Christian leaders and institutions.
The PFN emphasized that freedom of expression does not extend to deliberate spread of falsehood, character assassination, or malicious propaganda, and reaffirmed its commitment to national development and advocacy. Bakare stated that PFN, under the leadership of its President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, will continue to speak responsibly on issues affecting Nigerians.
