As preparations for the 2027 general elections are gradually gathering momentum across the country, a former National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude, has canvassed for electoral and judicial reforms in Nigeria.
Dr. Omobude, who gave the advice at the weekend during an interview with newsmen in Benin City, stated that to experience the desired credible elections in Nigeria, the government must carry out major reforms in our electoral and judicial systems.
According to the renowned Man of God, “President Bola Tinubu will write his name in gold if he’s able to carry out reforms in some of our key institutions. Reforms that the Nigerian system needs for our electoral system to actually move forward and for the country generally to move forward.
“Institutions like the judiciary; you see, without respect for law and order, the country is going nowhere. The judiciary should truly be seen as independent and must act as such. The government at whatever level shouldn’t interfere with the activities of the judiciary.
“The police, EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) and others, should also be reformed. These institutions should be able to stand on their own, no matter the government in power.
“These are important things; and I believe that any government that will carry out these reforms, will set Nigeria on the path of greatness and would have brought a new lease to this country because if you go and vote, your vote will count, if you commit any offence, the law will take its course irrespective of who you are.
“So, these are the issues. I believe that the government should be thinking about, and I want our president to work hard to ensure that the nation’s institutions, are made to stand independently without government intervention and interference from any quarters.”
Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude, also described as alarming, the increasing numbers of out-of-school children roaming the streets nationwide, and urged the government to invest more money in the educational sector.
He described education as a vital key to liberating the society, noting that any investment made in that direction “is the right investment. We must look holistically at our educational system; I believe that education from primary to at least Junior Secondary School (JSS 3), should be free for every citizen of this country. It should be free and compulsory.
“Parents who refuse to send their children to school under the free school system, should be prosecuted. Now, you look at our streets, children selling or begging during school hours.
“These out-of-school children are growing in their numbers, and if something is not urgently done to address it, it will boomerang. So, it’s an issue I believe the government at various levels must address.”
The Man of God, however called on Nigerians in authority, particularly the political leaders to do their utmost to serve and improve the living conditions of the people, saying that “every leader must bear in mind that they are there (in office) for a reason. And they must make the best of it, not to serve themselves, but to serve God and the people that voted for them.
“Apart from political leaders, anyone in leadership positions whether in the church, in tradition, or in educational institutions, we have the opportunity to make a difference because we are all accountable to God who gave us the opportunity to serve.
“We must contribute to the progress, peace and prosperity of our nation. We cannot continue to be beggars. Our children are migrating all over the world. We can turn this nation around and make it a better place.”
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