Prelate of the Calvary Grace International College of Bishops (CGCOB), Francis Wale Oke, has called for the drafting of a new constitution, citing what he described as deep-rooted structural and religious imbalances in Nigeria’s current legal framework.
Speaking at a press conference on the state of the nation, Oke expressed concern that the existing constitution does not adequately reflect the country’s religious diversity. He noted that Christians constitute slightly over half of Nigeria’s population, with a dominant presence in the South and a significant spread across parts of the North.
Oke, who is also the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), argued that the constitution contains extensive provisions on Sharia and Islamic jurisprudence without corresponding recognition of Christianity. He said the imbalance undermines fairness, inclusiveness, and national unity.
He maintained that Nigeria must either adopt a constitution that accords equal recognition to all religions or eliminate religious references entirely from governance, stressing that religion should remain a personal matter while the state focuses on regulation to prevent conflict and violence.
The cleric linked the country’s persistent insecurity to religious extremism, alleging that several violent incidents are carried out under the guise of faith. He referenced groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, alongside bandits and other armed groups, as major drivers of the violence.
Oke further called on the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, to take decisive steps in addressing the situation, urging religious leaders nationwide to openly condemn violence and restrain individuals or groups acting in the name of religion.
He also drew attention to recurring killings in Benue, Plateau, Taraba, and Borno states, describing the trend as alarming and harmful to affected communities, while urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intensify efforts to address insecurity across the country.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
