PFN leader, Olufemi Emmanuel, slams Buhari era as ‘Worst in Nigeria’s History’ urges Trump to help tackle terrorism

Pastor Olufemi Emmanuel, Founder of Living Spring Chapel International and one of the leaders of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria has described the eight-year tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari as “the worst in the history of Nigeria.”

​He made the assertion in an online message,monitored by Church Times during which he also pleaded with President Donald Trump of the United States to follow through on his promise to assist Nigeria in tackling terrorism.

​Pastor Emmanuel is a notable figure in both religious and political spheres, serving as the Director of the Directorate of Politics and Governance of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and being a one-time Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly.

​Drawing on his political background, the cleric stated that his experiences have given him insights into Nigeria’s complexities that are inaccessible from the pulpit. “The way I think is different because I have seen many things when I was in politics. You can’t understand unless you are there,” he remarked.

Accusations Against the Former Administration

​Pastor Emmanuel reiterated his criticism of the Buhari administration, stating, “That eight years of Buhari took us down. It was the worst.” He then made a significant accusation regarding national security and ethnic policy:

​”It was Buhari who opened the North West and North East for his kith and kin to come into Nigeria. His agenda was to turn Nigeria into a Fulani State. But God did not let it happen. The God who did not let it happen will deliver us from this present situation.”

​He offered an assurance that there will be no war in Nigeria, while simultaneously praying for the end of what he sees as a continuation of historical jihadist ambitions. He referenced the Uthman dan Fodio jihad, whose proponents he says are still working to “dip the Quran into the Atlantic ocean.”

​”They are continuing the Uthman dan Fodio jihad. You saw how they captured Kwara… and you saw the killings going on there. You saw the atrocities. You see the killings everyday. And after Ilorin what do you have? Ogbomoso, and then Ibadan. After Ibadan, Lagos. They are coming. But the Lord is stopping them.”

On Sharia States and Insecurity

​The Pastor also spoke on the nature of the northern Sharia states: “Those 12 states in the North observing Sharia are an Islamic republic. That place is a different country. You can’t get a C of O to build a church there. Nobody will give it to you. It’s haram. Church to them is an anathema. Is that one country?”

​According to him, Christians are an endangered species in Nigeria. He expressed his concern about the powers behind the current wave of banditry and killings:

​”All those banditry or those killings, there are powers behind it. I don’t know how President Tinubu will do it. I know President Tinubu is a courageous man. He is an experienced politician. But I only hope he is able to confront terrorism because powerful people are behind the killings and the banditry in the country. The Lord will give him grace.”

​A Call for Trump’s Intervention

​Throughout his message, Pastor Emmanuel repeatedly urged Donald Trump to intervene and assist Nigeria. He sought to clarify the former U.S. President’s intentions to the public:

​”He did not say he was coming to bring war to Nigeria. He only said he was coming to deal with the terrorists and take them out. We need to get it clear. He is not coming in to fight Tinubu.”

Nigeria: A Union of Nations

Earlier in his message the cleric stated that Nigeria is fundamentally “a country of many nations.” He expressed particular sympathy for the Igbo tribe: “I am not a fan of Nnamdi Kanu but he has risen to become the leader of his people. Let Biafra be. Let them live their life. Let Yoruba live their life. Let Hausa live their life. Let Fulani live their life.”

​He then called for a national dialogue to redefine the terms of Nigeria’s unity.

​”Let’s come together and have a union to determine our involvement in the Nigerian union. We can live together as a country, but we have to agree on the terms of our coming together, not one tribe lording over others.”

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