His Eminence, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and leader of Sword of the Spirit Ministries (Christ Life Church), Ibadan, has declared that Nigeria’s challenges are beyond what human effort alone can resolve. Speaking in an interview, the Chancellor of Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan, addressed pressing national concerns, including insecurity and governance. Below are excerpts:

What emerged from your 2025 National Executive Retreat in Uyo?

One of the key resolutions was the urgent need to intensify prayers and fasting for Nigeria. The issues confronting the nation are far beyond human capacity—they require divine intervention. All delegates from across the country left with a renewed commitment to pray fervently for Nigeria.

Another resolution focused on political participation. While I personally remain non-partisan, as a spiritual father to people across all political parties, we strongly urge PFN members to engage in politics actively, starting from the grassroots. It's not enough to just register and vote; we want Christians to seek elective positions.

To facilitate this, PFN created the Directorate of Politics and Good Governance, led by Pastor Femi Emmanuel—a detribalized Nigerian who has firsthand political experience. His team is educating Christians nationwide, from national to ward level, on how to get involved constructively in politics to influence governance from within.

We also resolved to embody the change we preach. As we speak against corruption, tribalism, and nepotism, we must exemplify fairness and love for all Nigerians. We urged our leaders and followers alike to walk in integrity, being salt and light in a dark world.

What should we expect as PFN marks its 40th anniversary?

Our 40th anniversary theme is “PFN: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.” To commemorate this milestone, we’re hosting a dinner and award night on October 27, 2025, with 500 distinguished Christian figures, including former presidents, vice presidents, governors, lawmakers, and business leaders. The event will recognize their contributions to both Nigeria and PFN’s growth.

How can the government tackle worsening insecurity—banditry, kidnappings, and killings?

Nigeria’s level of insecurity is alarming and unacceptable. Labeling it as communal clashes is misleading. What’s happening in states like Benue, Taraba, and Plateau is an invasion—Fulani herdsmen displacing indigenous people and seizing lands. The federal government must recognize this reality and respond decisively.

These armed groups should not overpower our well-trained military unless there’s internal compromise. It's imperative to overhaul the national security architecture and remove compromised individuals from strategic positions. Patriotism, not complicity, must drive our security agencies.

If attackers are foreign Fulani from neighbouring countries like Chad or Niger, then this is a foreign invasion, and the Nigerian military must act with urgency to protect our sovereignty. The army cannot act effectively without clear directives from the Commander-in-Chief. We appeal to President Tinubu to issue those orders without delay.

Security reports submitted to the presidency often misrepresent victims as aggressors. These false narratives must stop. Those sympathetic to terrorists must be removed from influence. Without peace and safety, there can be no progress or economic development.

Currently, food security is under threat—farmers are extorted and terrorized by herdsmen, unable to cultivate without paying illegal levies. Some villages are even renamed by invaders, as if there's no functioning government. This points to a breakdown in law and order. The presidency must rise to the occasion and restore normalcy.

Is leadership the main barrier to ending insecurity?

I wouldn’t say leadership itself is the problem. President Tinubu is experienced, courageous, and capable. However, the people surrounding him may be his greatest challenge. When a leader is misinformed or misled by compromised aides, the outcome is compromised leadership.

Two years into his administration, insecurity remains rampant. If the current approach hasn’t yielded results, it’s time to change course. The President must replace those overseeing national security with credible and competent individuals. We continue to pray that God will guide and strengthen him to make these critical changes.

How do you view the hunger and economic hardship facing Nigerians?

The church is doing its best to support the needy, but our resources are limited. The federal government controls the nation’s wealth—from oil and agriculture to minerals and infrastructure. That wealth must not remain concentrated at the top.

There should be equitable distribution through job creation, palliatives, and welfare support for the poor, elderly, and vulnerable. Pensioners must be paid promptly—they rely on these funds for survival.

Above all, government must implement the new minimum wage without delay. We pray for wisdom for our economic leaders to manage Nigeria’s resources justly and responsibly.