PFN Urges Trump to Support Tinubu Against Insecurity, Rejects Military Threat
Lagos — The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has appealed to United States President Donald Trump to partner with his Nigerian counterpart, Bola Tinubu, to effectively tackle the nation's security challenges, while firmly rejecting any suggestion of U.S. military intervention or invasion.1
The call by the PFN comes amidst a diplomatic flurry triggered by a recent statement from President Trump, who designated Nigeria a "Country of Particular Concern" for alleged religious persecution and subsequently warned of potential U.S. military action if the Nigerian government failed to curb the violence.
🤝 Call for Partnership, Not Invasion
Speaking on Thursday, PFN President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, acknowledged the gravity of the security situation and the targeted attacks affecting Christians in some parts of the country.
Focus on Capacity Building: "We want Donald Trump to work with our President and to hold our President accountable to stop the targeted killing and kidnapping of our members," Bishop Oke stated during a media appearance.
4 Request for Support: He suggested that if the Nigerian government requires expertise in counter-terrorism or specific training, they should be able to ask the U.S. for it.
Sovereignty Asserted: The PFN’s stance strongly maintains the sovereignty of Nigeria and warns that unilateral military action could destabilize the country and the region.
🚨 Insecurity is Not Solely Religious
While the PFN acknowledged the specific threats faced by Christian communities, the leader urged the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to end all killings and ensure security for every citizen, regardless of faith.
"We want every Nigerian, whether Muslims or Christians, to be able to live freely, work freely, and practice their religion freely anywhere in Nigeria," Bishop Oke added, broadening the focus from a purely religious conflict to a nationwide security crisis.
The PFN's intervention aligns with the official position of the Nigerian government, which has dismissed the claim of "Christian genocide" as inaccurate and harmful, arguing that violence impacts citizens across all faiths and regions.
