By Chukwuma Umeorah
Christian leaders of the Christ Global Network (CGN) have raised the alarm over the ongoing efforts by some Muslim activists to implement Sharia panels across all states of Nigeria, describing the move a direct threat to the nation’s constitutional integrity, religious freedom and pluralistic society.
Speaking at a world press conference yesterday, Archbishop Taiwo Akinola, President of Rhema Christian Church and Apostolic Presbyter of CGN, declared that such moves would face fierce resistance from Christians and advocates of pluralism.
“The unpalatable fact is this: any effort to Islamise the nation under the guise of legal reforms will face strong opposition and resistance from Christians and all advocates of religious freedom,” Akinola stated emphatically, while announcing the New Wine Fire Conference 2025.
He cautioned the proponents of such campaigns to beware that no peace-loving Nigerian would share with them such an idea of painful division.
Akinola’s remarks came amid growing concerns over calls for nationwide Sharia implementation, which CGN leaders argue violates Section 10 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution prohibiting the adoption of a state religion. “Besides, don’t we think that this is an open invitation to chaos and anarchy? This is deeply concerning,” he added, urging the government to uphold justice and fairness for all citizens, regardless of faith.
The press conference convened to unveil the ‘Show Me Your Glory-themed New Wine Fire Conference’ scheduled for April 12 also served as a platform to address pressing national issues.
Beyond the Sharia debate, Akinola tackled the rising tide of ethnic and regional tensions, pleading with Nigerians to cease issuing threats and ultimatums that deepen divisions. Citing the recent Uromi killings as a national tragedy, he condemned subsequent ethnic profiling and calls for revenge, noting, “These threats were laced with foul language, ethnic profiling and dangerous calls for unlawful revenge to kill and maim people of other regions and religions.”
He expressed dismay at the government’s silence days after such provocations, asserting, “Sadly, the government has lacked sincerity in addressing such issues. This has eroded public confidence in the government protecting their lives and properties. Crooks, anarchists, hooligans and religious bigots from any part of the country must not be allowed to take the law into their own hands,” he said, calling for decisive action to reinforce the rule of law and assure citizens of their safety and equality.
The archbishop further highlighted the dangers of political falsehoods aimed at destabilising governance. “A troubling trend is emerging in certain quarters of the Nigerian polity, aiming to push the nation into troubled waters,” he warned, urging citizens to critically assess information and resist manipulative narratives. “We enjoin everyone, therefore, to be wary of these propagandists and critically assess all information received about this nation before accepting it uncritically.”
He added that Christians had the power of prayer, which he believed could bring about divine intervention to heal the nation and restore peace and unity. “As leaders, we cannot ask Christians to wield guns or weapons, so we continue to rely on the power of prayer. We must pray for our leaders, speak words of hope to our nation and work together towards a brighter future for all Nigerians.”
Akinola stated that the upcoming conference, which is expected to draw thousands to Ogun State, will feature prominent ministers, including Bishop Joshua Nissi and Rev G. M. Ibeh, offering a spiritual response to these national crises.