In a bold call for accountability and action, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to match policy pronouncements with tangible action as the country grapples with economic instability, surging inflation, widespread insecurity, and dwindling public trust.
Speaking at the end of a four-day national retreat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, PFN’s National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, said the time for promises was over, and Nigerians are demanding results. Addressing journalists, Bakare emphasised that while spiritual support through prayers remains crucial, what Nigeria needs most now is decisive, strategic leadership that responds to the urgent needs of its citizens.
“Our perspective at PFN is that Nigeria needs divine intervention. As a spiritual body, we are committed to praying for the country and the government. However, prayers must be accompanied by decisive action from leadership,” Bakare declared.
He commended the Tinubu administration for certain initiatives like the planned deployment of forest guards and the adoption of technology to strengthen border security, but noted that these would remain hollow unless backed by deliberate execution.
“These are promising policies, but Nigerians are tired of promises. It’s time to show seriousness through execution. Let the results speak louder than the rhetoric,” he added.
The PFN stressed that joblessness, especially among young people, remains a ticking time bomb fueling insecurity and social unrest. Bakare urged the Tinubu government to prioritise projects that will generate sustainable employment and economic inclusion.
“When people are engaged meaningfully, there will be fewer idle hands to recruit into criminal activities,” he warned. “The government must let the evidence of its commitment be visible. If that happens, we will intensify our prayers, and Nigeria will surely get better.”
The Uyo retreat marked the first under the second term of PFN President, Bishop Wale Oke. It brought together over 90% of the fellowship’s national executives, with key focus on national renewal, collaboration, and vision alignment. Bakare said the retreat aimed to foster deeper unity within PFN leadership and chart a path forward for spiritual and civic engagement in national development.
The sessions featured daily devotions, revival programmes, vision-sharing dialogues, and prayers for the country, the church, and Akwa Ibom State. Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, who attended the session on Wednesday, praised the PFN for its balanced and honest approach in engaging with political leadership.
He also sought PFN’s spiritual backing for his administration, calling for collaborative efforts between the state and the church to advance good governance.
Bakare also highlighted the strategic relevance of holding the retreat in Uyo, noting the presence and support of PFN patriarch, Rev. Uma Ukpai, who played a pioneering role in the fellowship’s formation. Ukpai’s prayers and counsel during the retreat were described as “a great blessing” to the leadership.
As Nigeria faces a complex web of economic hardship and security threats, PFN’s message is clear: Faith and prayer must be matched with leadership that acts — not just speaks. The fellowship called on Tinubu’s administration to build trust through performance, not platitudes.