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• Bishops demand fair, just, new body of law to administer country
From Oluseye Ojo
Bishops under the aegis of Calvary Grace International College of Bishops (CGCOB), on Tuesday, converged on Maryland, Lagos, and called for the scrapping of Nigeria’s current constitution.
They described the current constitution as flawed, unjust and biased against Christians, while also raising the alarm over “Christian genocide” in parts of the country.
Its Prelate, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, who is also National President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), made the remarks on behalf of the bishops just before the Ministers’ Empowerment Conference, themed: “Fresh oil for great exploits” taken from Psalm 92:10.
He argued that the nation’s constitution disproportionately references Islam and Sharia law without corresponding recognition of Christianity, despite what he described as Christians constituting over 50 per cent of Nigeria’s population: “That constitution does not cater for the whole of Nigeria. It does not take into cognisance more than 50 per cent of the population. So, let’s scrap it and have one that is fair and just for everybody.
“Religion should either be completely removed from the constitution or all religions practised in the country be represented equally. Religion should be a private matter. The state should only regulate it to ensure that nobody kills in the name of religion.
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“Many violent attacks across the country are carried out under religious pretexts. Perpetrators often invoke religious slogans before launching attacks.”
Citing insurgent groups such as Boko Haram, ISIS, terrorists and other armed groups, Bishop Oke urged religious leaders, particularly the Sultan of Sokoto, to speak out decisively against violence: “I challenge the Sultan to call these people to order. Silence in the face of this menace suggests complicity.” The cleric also expressed concern over persistent killings in states including Benue, Plateau, Taraba and parts of Borno, describing the situation as targeted violence against Christians. He recounted accounts from affected communities, including a reported incident where over 500 persons were allegedly killed in a single attack in a predominantly Christian town: “Such tragedies have left deep emotional scars on survivors and religious leaders.”
Referencing comments by the United States President, Donald Trump, on threats to Christianity in Nigeria, Oke said: “The situation reflects an ‘existential threat’ which requires urgent action. The Federal Government should collaborate with international partners to tackle terrorism and safeguard life and property. Any external aggression should be treated as an act of war.
“If they are foreigners invading Nigeria, then the full weight of the military must be deployed. The government has a duty to defend the territorial integrity of the nation.” Despite his strong remarks, Oke emphasised: “The Church is not opposed to Islam but to violence and terrorism.” He urged peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different faiths.
He also called on Christians to actively participate in politics beyond voting, encouraging grassroots involvement in political parties and governance processes: “If we keep saying politics is dirty and stay away, then we allow the system to remain dirty. We must get involved and change it.”
The Prelate of CGCOB enjoined Nigerians to obtain their voter cards and participate actively in elections. He also called for prayers for peace, unity and stability in the country.
