A popular cleric in Ondo State, Pastor Adewale Giwa has expressed concern over the stance of the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, that religious centres in the state should suspend all-night activities amid the current security challenges facing the state.
Giwa, who is the Senior Pastor of Awaiting the Second Coming of Christ Ministry, described the position of the police boss as disappointing, emphasising that the primary purpose of the police as the number one internal security agency is to ensure prevention of crimes as well as protection of lives and property.
The Commissioner of Police in the state had on Friday advised religious centres to suspend night worship due to the incessant security challenges, particularly the recent abduction of six worshippers at a Celestial church in Uso community, Owo Local Government Area of the state.
According to the cleric, the directive by the police boss will further create fear in the minds of the people rather than give them hope, adding that the bandits and terrorists will view it as a triumph.
However, Giwa, who hailed the police commissioner for his efforts in the fight against crime since his deployment to the state, urged the state government to come to the rescue of the police by providing surveillance drones, which he said will aid in curbing the activities of criminals.
He said, “Having carefully studied the statement credited to the Ondo State Commissioner of Police advising churches across the state to suspend night activities, let me categorically describe Mr Lawal’s assertion as cowardly, disappointing and unfortunate.
“Police officers are responsible for enforcing laws, protecting lives and property, preventing crime, and maintaining public order.
“Nobody can dictate to the church how, when or at what time to worship God. It’s obvious that the bandits are doing everything possible to Islamise Nigeria. However, we should not allow fear to control us. All of us need to stand firm and resist evil.
“When government commands contradict religious doctrine, we often follow the principle of obeying God rather than men.
“At this crucial period, I urge Mr Lawal to send his men to protect all the religious centres across the state rather than subject us to fear. The government should also stand up to its responsibilities in providing necessary equipment for the police to combat the miscreants.
“As a matter of fact, Mr Lawal has been working diligently since he was deployed to the state. I’m aware that his office is facing serious challenges in terms of security equipment. Let me use this opportunity to call on the government of Ondo State to provide enough surveillance drones with a view to curbing criminal activities.”
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