Bishop Wale Oke Warns: ‘Attack On Catholic Bishops Is Attack On All Christians’

The National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Wale Oke, has expressed solidarity with the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, declaring that any attack on Catholic bishops amounts to an attack on the entire Christian community.

According to IREPORTER Online, Oke made the position known while reacting to comments made by Cardinal John Onaiyekan during a recent meeting between Catholic bishops and President Bola Tinubu, where the cleric warned that Nigeria was “bleeding” due to the country’s security challenges.

Oke questioned whether Nigerians were not facing serious insecurity in several parts of the country, citing communities and states affected by violence.

The PFN president rejected criticism directed at the Catholic bishops, arguing that religious leaders have a responsibility to speak truthfully to those in authority when the welfare and security of citizens are at stake.

He stressed that although Christianity is divided into different denominations, Christians remain united by their common faith.

Oke said attempts to create divisions among Christian leaders would not succeed, insisting that an attack against Catholic leaders should be regarded as an attack against the wider Christian body.

The PFN leader also criticised the proposed enforcement of penalties against individuals who preach in commercial buses under provisions linked to the Federal Road Safety Corps Act.

Although the Senate has explained that the provision dates back to 2007 and was being restated rather than newly introduced, Oke called for its removal.

He maintained that preaching the gospel should not be criminalised and said the PFN would continue to oppose any regulation it considers an infringement on religious freedom.

Oke further urged the National Assembly to address what he described as fundamental constitutional and national issues, including Nigeria’s membership of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

He called for Nigeria to reconsider its membership of the organisation, arguing that the decision was made during military rule without adequate consultation with citizens.

The PFN president also demanded a review of the 1999 Constitution, claiming that its provisions do not adequately reflect Nigeria’s religious diversity.

Oke further raised concerns over insecurity and allegations of targeted attacks against Christians in different parts of the country. He called on the government to take stronger measures to protect citizens and address the violence affecting communities.

He, however, acknowledged that extremist violence also affects Muslims who reject radical ideologies.

The cleric said the PFN would continue to engage the government on the security situation, both through public advocacy and behind-the-scenes discussions with officials.

He urged the National Assembly and other authorities to engage religious leaders in meaningful dialogue on issues affecting the safety, unity and wellbeing of Nigerians.