The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to move beyond rhetoric and take visible, tangible action in addressing the country’s growing socioeconomic and political challenges.
Speaking at the conclusion of a four-day leadership retreat held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, PFN National Secretary Bishop David Bakare emphasized the urgent need for strategic leadership and the actual implementation of policies.
“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 stated during a press briefing on Thursday.
He expressed concern over worsening insecurity and intensifying economic hardship, marked by rising inflation and the soaring cost of living.
While acknowledging some recent government initiatives—such as the approval of forest guards and plans to deploy technology for border security—Bakare stressed that these policies must be matched by genuine commitment and swift execution.
“These are promising policies, but the government must prove to Nigerians that it is serious about implementation,” he said.
“It should not just be about what the government says; it must be about what the government is doing.
“Only then will the people’s trust be restored and the economy begin to recover.”
Bakare, who also leads Jesus is Life World Outreach Ministries in Zaria, Kaduna State, called for a dual strategy of dialogue and decisive governance, particularly in addressing the root causes of insecurity and unemployment.
“When people are engaged meaningfully, there will be fewer idle hands to recruit into criminal activities. Let the evidence of commitment be visible; we will back it up with prayers, and Nigeria will be better for it,” he added.
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, who attended the retreat, commended PFN President Bishop Wale Oke for his balanced, non-confrontational approach to government engagement. He also requested continued prayer support for his administration.
The Uyo gathering marked the first PFN retreat under Bishop Oke’s second term, which began on February 11. Previous retreats were held in Nasarawa and Oyo states. According to Bakare, the purpose of the retreat was to align PFN’s leadership with the president’s vision, improve internal collaboration, and seek divine guidance for Nigeria.
Bakare revealed that over 90% of PFN’s national executives attended the retreat, with more than 70% present on the opening day, Monday, May 12. He also acknowledged the influential role of PFN patriarch Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, who attended the event and inspired the choice of Uyo as the venue.
