By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Provincial Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Ogun Province 4, Pastor Felix Kumapayi, has urged the Federal Government to take firm and decisive action to curb insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and terrorism in the country.

He called on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stop what he described as a soft approach to individuals allegedly identified as sponsors and promoters of insecurity, insisting that they should be prosecuted in line with existing laws.

Pastor Kumapayi made the call while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the Hallelujah Mega Praise, Season 4, held at the weekend.

According to him, the government should demonstrate sufficient political will to bring alleged financiers of terrorism to justice, especially if their identities are already known to security agencies.

“If the Federal Government truly has the names of those sponsoring terrorism, it should be bold enough to fish them out and make them face the full weight of the law,” he said.

He lamented the loss of lives and the economic devastation caused by insecurity across the country, stressing that the protection of lives and property should not be compromised for political considerations.

“The government must not shy away from its constitutional responsibility to safeguard Nigerians. The scale of human and economic losses recorded so far demands decisive action,” Kumapayi added.

On claims of genocide against Christians, the cleric said it would be inaccurate to describe the insecurity situation as targeted solely at Christians, noting that both Christians and Muslims have suffered attacks.

He pointed out that mosques, churches and adherents of different faiths have been affected, insisting that security remains the sole responsibility of government regardless of religious differences.

The Hallelujah Mega Praise programme, with the theme “Emmanuel (God With Us)”, was held at the church auditorium and featured praise and worship sessions, prayers for the nation, and musical ministrations by gospel artistes.

Explaining the significance of the theme, Kumapayi said it was chosen in view of the country’s security challenges.

“Emmanuel means God with us. If God is with us, we believe that Nigeria will overcome its present challenges,” he said, urging Nigerians not to lose faith but to remain hopeful.

He also advised national leaders to embrace godly values and pursue policies that would deliver good governance and tangible dividends of democracy to the people.

In addition, the cleric called on the Federal Government to ensure that revenues expected from the planned tax reforms in 2026 are used judiciously for the welfare of Nigerians.

“The concern of the people is not just about increased revenue, but whether such funds will be used appropriately. Government must remember that without the people, there can be no government,” he said.