Prominent Christian leaders have sounded the alarm over Nigeria’s worsening security and economic challenges, calling on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency, reform policing structures, and ensure credible elections. They warned that the nation is “bleeding” and heading toward instability.
The clerics, including Felix Omobude, Mike Okonkwo, Ayo Oritsejafor, and Isa El-Buba, spoke during a press conference organised by Cross Campaign in Ikeja, Lagos, highlighting deepening insecurity, rising poverty, electoral malpractice, and weak governance, and urging urgent intervention.
Omobude stressed the importance of judicial independence, insisting that democratic institutions must operate free from interference or bias. Okonkwo described the economic situation as dire, citing the ₦70,000 minimum wage and fuel prices exceeding ₦1,000 per litre, which make basic necessities like housing, healthcare, and transportation unaffordable for many Nigerians. He also criticised the poor state of healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Oritsejafor criticised the monetisation of democracy, warning that elections had become financial contests rather than competitions based on competence and vision. He noted that candidates dependent on borrowed funds or sponsorship often prioritise repayment over governance, weakening institutional structures.
On security, El-Buba warned of escalating and coordinated violence across the country. He cited recent attacks in Plateau and other areas, revealing that over 12 million Nigerians are now living in internally displaced persons camps, with many communities overrun by attackers.
The leaders urged the Federal Government to take urgent action, declare a comprehensive state of emergency on security, and establish well-equipped state policing structures to restore stability.
