By Nsan Ndoma-Neji
PFN National President, Bishop Dr. Wale Oke has urged the federal government to intensify efforts against killings and kidnappings nationwide during a visit to Calabar.
He also supported changes in the security architecture, including changes to service chiefs stressing that “Whatever changes are needed to end the killings and the abduction of our children is good,” Oke said.
Oke, who was in Calabar to attend the 70th Birthday Anniversary of Bishop Mrs. Ofonmbuk Archibong, of Intercessors’ Bible Mission, rejected the idea of “repentant terrorists”.
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He said, “There’s nothing like repentant terrorists,” arguing that “justice must come before any talk of repentance.”
Oke who spoke while answering questions from journalists on Thursday at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, said he and his entourage came “in the name of the Lord to bless the State, the Government, and good people of Cross River State.” He also thanked PFN State Chairman Dr. Trinity Ogar, and the PFN National Vice president South South Archbishop Dr Emma Isong for the warm reception.
The PFN National president insisted that violent criminals must face the full weight of the law. “There is no expiry date on killing or murder. You kill people. You kidnap children. You go to jail and spend your life behind bars.
“If you are repenting, go and repent in prison,” and urged the federal government to abolished the terminology “repentant terrorists”.
He warned that integrating former terrorists into security structures was “compromising the security of the entire nation.
“If any of them is caught, they should be made to face the full wrath of the Law,” stressing that Cross River’s insecurity is “just little” as compared to killing happening in other part of the nation.
To address the crisis, Oke said churches nationwide have been mobilized. “That’s why we’ve recommended all State in Nigeria to fast and pray, cry to the God of Heaven to intervene,” he stated.
While acknowledging government efforts, Oke said results matter most. “We agree that they are trying, they are working. We thank them for what you are doing. But until kidnapping stops and the killings put to rest, you are not doing anything,” he concluded.
“The first responsibility of any government is the security of Nigeria, the lives and the property. Bring the full weight of the military to the ground to keep Nigeria safe,” Oke maintained.
