By Boluwatife Oparinde
The District Superintendent, Christ Apostolic Church, Peaceland District, Odi-Olowo DCC, Lagos and Convener, Iwere'le 2021 Crusade, Pastor Festus Ayantayo Oke; and the Secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Iwere'le Chapter, Reverend Z. A. Adeteju, have condemned the rise of insecurity in the nation as heartbreaking and called the government to take appropriate measures to combat insecurity.
Reacting to the rise of insurgency and insecurity in Nigeria, the clerics in their interviews with CAC News, expressed their dissatisfaction and heartbreak at the state of the nation, attributing the events as signs of the end time.
Pastor Oke stated that, "before now, we can leave Lagos for Iwere'le by 4pm and get here by 8pm without fear. But with the recent happenings on kidnappings, killings and insurgency, I can't categorically say that anyone is safe but God has been our protection. And we must give kudos to the security forces, including vigilantes and Amotekun on their efforts to keep people safe."
"Truly we are already having the signs of the end time, as foretold in the Bible, but our leaders must own up to their sleeves. The government must seek the face of God, know God for themselves and have sympathy on the people. Events like insurgency will keep happening as long as the government is unmerciful towards her people."
According to Rev'd Adeteju, the Iwere'le CAN Secretary, "the issue of insecurity growing in the nation is heartbreaking for us. One of our efforts in Oke Ogun here was to raise a seven-day marathon prayer. We believe that no heart is immune to the touch of God and God will certainly stretch His mighty hand and change the situation of the nation for better."
"We urge citizens of the nation to pray. And on the part of the government, they must always remember that they are in the position of representing the people. And so, they must own up to their responsibilities. Some of which is, revealing the faces of evil perpetrators and serve judgement with justice. We urge our leaders to remember that there is always a consequence for every action. They must also do well to do everything that will restore peace in the land and make evildoers face the wrath of the law."
The cleric further counseled that, "let's go back to the foundation and fix it. The Bible says if the foundation be destroyed, what shall the righteous do. We must ammend the foundation of Nigeria. If there will be need for constitutional amendments, let's have it; and the persons involved should do it justly without nepotism, religion, bias or tribalism."
Meanwhile, Pastor Oke expressed his satisfation and thanksgiving to God for the turnout of members of Iwere-Ile community at the ongoing crusade in Iwere'le fown.
According to him, "we are grateful to God for the mercies received to organize this crusade. This is the third time we will hold this crusade - we had it in 2017, 2019 and this year which is ongoing. God himself birthed the revelation and need to bring home this crusade. Iwere'le Crusade has been accepted by Chiefs, Kings and dignatries of the community."
"We chose Iwere'le community because they haven't accepted Jesus so much. So, this is our way to combat the forces of the devil. Several testimonies abound since the commencement of the crusade. Many persons are already testify to the encounters of this crusade. Moreso, the revivalist did well in showing Christ to the people, which is the core purpose of the crusade," he explained.