Pentecostal Fellowship Of Nigeria Urges Tinubu To Prioritise Action Over Promises.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to shift focus from grand promises to tangible action in implementing his administration’s policies, warning that Nigeria’s challenges require urgent and visible progress to restore public confidence and bolster the economy.
Speaking at the close of a four-day special retreat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, PFN National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, emphasised the need for both divine intervention and decisive leadership to address the nation’s woes. “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,” said Bakare, who also serves as President and Founder of Jesus is Life World Outreach Ministries in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The retreat, convened under the leadership of PFN President Bishop Francis Wale Oke, brought together over 90 per cent of the fellowship’s national executives to align with Oke’s vision, foster collaboration, and seek divine guidance for Nigeria. Bakare noted that the event, the first since Oke’s second term began on 11 February, also served as a platform to pray for the nation, the church, and Akwa Ibom State.
Bakare acknowledged steps taken by the Tinubu administration, such as the approval of forest guards and plans to deploy technology for border security, but stressed that these initiatives must be backed by robust execution. “These are promising policies, but the government must prove to Nigerians that it is serious about implementation. It should not just be about what the government says; it must be about what the government is doing,” he said. “Only then will the people’s trust be restored and the economy begin to recover.”
The PFN urged the government to adopt a strategic approach, combining dialogue with firm action and investing in job-creating projects to tackle unemployment, which Bakare linked to rising insecurity. “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.
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, who attended the retreat, commended Bishop Oke for his non-confrontational yet truthful engagement with the government and sought continued prayer support for his administration. The event also saw the presence of PFN patriarch Baba Uma Ukpai, a foundational figure in the fellowship’s history.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s challenges, Bakare noted that while successive governments have made efforts, the country remains in a precarious state. “Nigeria belongs to God. We will continue to pray for divine guidance and initiative for our leaders – not only to know what to do but also to have the capacity to do it,” he said.
The Uyo retreat, which began on 12 May, was marked by prayers for national unity, economic recovery, and effective governance. With strong attendance from PFN’s leadership, the fellowship reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s progress through prayer and constructive engagement with the government. As the nation navigates its challenges, the PFN’s message is clear: action, not rhetoric, will pave the way for a brighter future.
