PFN congratulates Tinubu, urges him to bring focus and grit to tackle nation’s challenge
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu, pledging Pentecostal churches’ allegiance to his presidency.
It would be recalled that in 2022, PFN decided against voting for Tinubu based on APC’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket and urged its 65 million Christians to do the same.
But in a congratulatory message published in a full-page advert on Thursday, the PFN said it would support Tinubu’s government with prayers and counsel for him to succeed in office.
“We give Your Excellency the pledge of our support, cooperation, fervent prayers, and godly counsel at all times throughout your administration,” the PFN said in a message signed by its National President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke.
On Monday, May 29, Tinubu took an oath of office as the 16th president of Nigeria, promising to run an inclusive government and grow the country’s economy.
Tinubu, 71, a former Lagos governor, succeeded ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, who spent eight years of two terms in office.
Tinubu is a Muslim politician from Nigeria’s South-West. Many groups and individuals severely censured his race for the presidency because he chose a Muslim as his running mate. Even prominent figures within his ruling APC and his so-called allies rose against Tinubu based on the religious colouration of his presidential ticket.
The PFN noted that Tinubu “fought a good fight and demonstrated uncommon courage, strategic capability and real grit” to emerge as the president.
“You overcame every formidable obstacle, and God Almighty has given you the desire of your heart. Please accept our hearty congratulations,” said the PFN message.
It further stated, “As you are fully aware, Mr President, our nation is grappling with daunting challenges that threaten even the foundations of her existence, ranging from horrendous nationwide administration, insecurity, near comatose economy, near infrastructural collapse, youth restiveness and heavy, unprecedented brain drain, systemic corruption, distrust of political leadership by the masses and several others.”
The body urged the new president to bring the same wholehearted courage, focus and grit he used to win the presidential election, to tackle the nation’s challenges and birth a new, united, prosperous Nigeria where no one is oppressed.
“It is a tough call,” said PFN. “But with God Almighty on your side, giving you uncommon wisdom to rally and unite all Nigerians for this common cause, you will surely succeed and write your name in gold in the annals of Nigerian history.” The body wrote in the advert.
