Bishops demand new constitution for Nigeria

Nigerian Bishops, under the aegis of Calvary Grace International College of Bishops (CGCOB), have described the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as “flawed, unjust and biased”, and, thereby, demanded a new one

They also raised the alarm over what they termed ‘Christian genocide’ in parts of the country.

The Prelate, CGCOB, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, who is also the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), made the remarks on behalf of the bishops during a press conference, held at PISTIS Hub, Maryland, Lagos, which preceded a ministers’ empowerment conference, themed: ‘Fresh Oil for Great Exploits’ taken from Psalm 92:10.

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He argued that the nation’s constitution disproportionately references Islam and Sharia law without corresponding recognition of Christianity, despite what he described as Christians constituting over 50 per cent of Nigeria’s population.

According to him, “That constitution does not cater for the whole of Nigeria. It does not take into cognizance more than 50 per cent of the population. So let’s scrap it and have one that is fair and just for everybody.”

The CGCOB leader insisted that religion should either be completely removed from the constitution or all religions practised in the country be represented equally.

“Religion should be a private matter. The state should only regulate it to ensure that nobody kills in the name of religion,” he said.

Oke further alleged that many violent attacks across the country are carried out under religious pretexts, claiming that perpetrators often invoke religious slogans before launching attacks.

Citing insurgent groups such as Boko Haram, ISIS, bandits and other armed groups, he urged religious leaders, particularly the Sultan of Sokoto, to speak out decisively against violence.

“I challenge the Sultan to call these people to order. Silence in the face of this menace suggests complicity,” he added.

The cleric also expressed concern over persistent killings in states including Benue, Plateau, Taraba and parts of Borno, describing the situation as targeted violence against Christians.

He recounted accounts from affected communities, including a reported incident where over 500 persons were allegedly killed in a single attack in a predominantly Christian town. He notes that such tragedies have left deep emotional scars on survivors and religious leaders.

Referencing comments by the United States President, Donald Trump, on threats to Christianity in Nigeria, Oke said the situation reflects an ‘existential threat’ which requires urgent action.

He called on the Federal Government to collaborate with international partners to tackle terrorism and safeguard lives and property. He stressed that any external aggression should be treated as an act of war.

“If they are foreigners invading Nigeria, then the full weight of the military must be deployed. The government has a duty to defend the territorial integrity of the nation,” he stated.

Despite his strong remarks, Oke emphasised that the church is not opposed to Islam but to violence and terrorism. He urged peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different faiths.

He also called on Christians to actively participate in politics beyond voting, encouraging grassroots involvement in political parties and governance processes.

“If we keep saying politics is dirty and stay away, then we allow the system to remain dirty. We must get involved and change it,” he said.

The Prelate of CGCOB enjoined Nigerians to obtain their voter cards and participate actively in elections. He also called for prayers for peace, unity and stability in the country.