By Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi
Spiritual Father, Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church (CSMC) Worldwide, Prophet Samuel Abidoye yesterday asked the federal government to seek foreign assistance to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities across the federation.
Abidoye made this call at a news conference he addressed yesterday to mark 81st International Conference/Convention scheduled to commence at Galilee Land, Orilegbon, Oyo State
At the conference, the cleric explained that there was nothing shameful for the federal government to seek foreign assistance or collaboration towards stopping this wanton killing.
He said: “We, as a Church, are not unmindful of the continuous bloodshed in some states across the country which is very worrisome. Boko Haram, kidnappings, armed robbery and other insurgents continue unabated across the federation. “These have led to the shedding of blood of innocent citizens of the country. There is nothing shameful for the federal government to seek foreign assistance or collaboration towards stopping these wanton killings. Nigerians now find it difficult to travel at their convenience.
“We can no longer sleep with our two eyes closed, there is fear of going to our various Offices and other businesses just because of the fear of the terrorists,” Abidoye said.
“Government, especially the federal government, has had enough dialogues with our traditional rulers, Religious leaders, security agencies and other stakeholders. This is the time for real action towards smoking out these terrorists from their various hideouts.
“Those arrested should be prosecuted and let the law take its cause immediately to serve as deterrent to other criminals. The Presidency has said that it has names of those behind the insecurity across the country.
“What patriotic Nigerians are waiting for is the publication of names of those involved including their financiers for Justice to reign and for the Nation to move forward. There should be no sacred cows as far as this is concerned and therefore, anybody found guilty should not be treated with Kit Gloves,” he noted.
The cleric lamented that Nigeria was still crawling at 61 with not much to show for its Independence, challenging all the stakeholders to stand up and face the reality of making it great.
He said: “We have the potential and human personnel to transform the country and so, our leaders should act decisively and if there is any time to act to make Nigeria great, it is now. I pray that there will be peace in Nigeria and the World at large”.
Commenting on the general election, especially those of Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States, Abidoye said the only way to attain credible, free and fair elections “is when their is peace of mind and peace in the land, if not, there will be general apathy towards these elections including the 2023 general elections.
“Violence in some parts of the country especially in Anambra where elections are holding soon had accumulated to serious security challenges as the spate of killings are worrisome and attaining dangerous trend. As a Nation and human being, shedding of blood is not something to be condoned, life is sacred.
He urged the electorates not only to come out and register, but should also vote when the time comes. We should also be wise, shun money politics, thuggery and vote for credible candidates in future polls.”
The convention, which is the 81st edition is a one-week programme, starts at Galilee from October 31 to November 7
