PFN demands fairness, justice in federal appointments
• Rejects naming of new A’court justices
PENTECOSTAL Fellowship of Nigeria ( PFN), yesterday, condemned in strong terms alleged marginalisation of Christians in appointments into Federal Government offices by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
National President of PFN, Rev. Felix Omobude, who made the allegation in a statement in Benin, Edo State, cautioned that the marginalisation could negatively affect the unity of the country.
According to him, Nigeria has never been divided the way it is now under the Buhari administration.
Omobude said the PFN was most saddened by the ongoing appointments being made in the judiciary where only adherents of a particular religion are favoured as Court of Appeal justices “at the expense of merit and equity.”
He expressed displeasure that over the years, some politicians and top government functionaries have used religion to pursue their selfish ambition.
“PFN is deeply saddened that out of 13 nominees from the Northern part of the country for elevation to the Court of Appeal, not a single Christian is among them.
“This unacceptable situation has further buttressed the fact that the nation’s judicial system has been hijacked, politicised and become an object of ridicule. This is one of the reasons some Nigerians are fast losing confidence in the nation’s judicial process.
“The PFN hereby calls on President Muhammadu Buhari and all those concerned in the appointment of justices of the Court of Appeal to revisit the issue and ensure that fairness and justice are done, irrespective of religious and ethnic background.
“The PFN will not continue to bemoan such brazen acts of provocation and unfairness. It will henceforth take all necessary lawful steps to defend and protect the interests of its marginalised members.
“We have always called for justice, fairness and equity in all government activities because to subvert a man of his rights on the basis of his religion is corruption.,” the statement read in part.
The Christian group, urged President Buhari to stand by his promise that he is for every Nigerian because the country belong to all Nigerians.
“PFN also, therefore, call on President Buhari to quickly call on whosoever is concerned to correct the imbalance in the on- going appointment to the Court of Appeal and every other areas of government where imbalance exists,” the statement added.