The President of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samuel Oladele, has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on insecurity and the rising cost of living, warning that Nigerians are grappling with worsening economic hardship and escalating security challenges.
Unfulfilled Promises
Oladele lamented that many of the promises made by political leaders during electioneering, including improved security, stable electricity supply, affordable healthcare and better living conditions, have yet to translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
The cleric, who spoke through the Secretary-General of the church, Pastor Emmanuel Mapur, during the send-off ceremony of the immediate past Financial Director of the church, Pastor Johnson Omitinde, in Ibadan on Saturday, said the current realities facing Nigerians demand urgent intervention by the Federal Government.
“They promised they would make life better for Nigerians. They promised Nigerians light, security and better healthcare, but we are not seeing the results. Fuel is selling for almost N1,300 per litre. How can ordinary Nigerians cope with this? The situation is becoming unbearable,” he said.
Call for Action
Oladele urged the President and other political office holders to revisit their campaign promises and take decisive steps to address the country’s challenges.
“We are calling on the leaders of this nation, especially the President, to look critically at what is happening in the country and act quickly. As CAN has also advocated, there is a need to declare a state of emergency on security and other issues threatening the survival of the nation,” he said.
Church's Response
The CAC President disclosed that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had scheduled a three-day period of fasting and prayers from June 12 to June 14 to seek divine intervention over the worsening insecurity and economic difficulties confronting the country.
According to him, Christians across the country would observe the period in mourning, wearing black attire and sackcloth as a symbolic expression of grief over the state of the nation.
“The Church has seen what Nigerians are going through. We are deeply troubled by the wave of kidnappings, killings and other violent acts taking place across the country. Nobody is happy with what is happening. That is why the Church will spend three days fasting and praying for God’s intervention,” he said.
He added that insecurity had reached alarming levels and could no longer be ignored. “Insecurity has gone beyond what citizens can endure. We must continue to pray for our leaders, but the government must also rise to its responsibilities and protect the lives and property of Nigerians,” he added.
Appeal to Governor
Oladele also appealed to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to intensify efforts towards securing the release of abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area, whose abduction has generated widespread concern across the state.
Farewell to a Faithful Servant
The cleric spoke glowingly of Omitinde, describing him as a disciplined, peace-loving and dependable church administrator whose contributions helped stabilise the church’s financial management system during his decades of service.
Responding, Omitinde expressed gratitude to God for sustaining him throughout more than 30 years of service in the church, attributing his successful career to discipline, honesty, hard work and contentment.
He 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.
