Igwe urges Tinubu to address security, economic challenges

By Vera Wisdom-Bassey

The National President and Convention Convener of The Apostolic Church Nigeria (TACN), Pastor Sampson Ekwutolisam Igwe, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent and proactive measures to address the nation’s worsening security crisis and economic hardship.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the church’s 8th Quadrennial National Convention, Igwe emphasised that the escalating violence, killings, and economic instability require stronger intervention from the government.

He acknowledged that while the president has been making efforts in tackling insecurity, more decisive actions are needed to put an end to the menace plaguing the country.

“The president is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. He should take proactive steps alongside security agencies to eliminate the threats to our national peace and stability. The situation is becoming unbearable, and Nigerians are suffering,” Igwe stated.

Expressing deep concern over the continued attacks on Christian communities, Igwe condemned the tragic incident in Ebonyi State, where armed assailants attacked a church during worship, killing innocent congregants. He lamented that churches and religious groups remain defenceless in the face of such violence and warned that if the government does not act swiftly, citizens may be forced to take matters into their own hands.

“The church does not have weapons or the means to defend itself. We cannot ask our members to take up arms, as that would worsen the situation. However, the president must take decisive action to ensure that those responsible for these attacks are brought to justice,” he warned.

As a member of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Igwe disclosed that the association had sent a delegation to President Tinubu to discuss strategies for addressing these security concerns.