PFN applauds judgement of Kaduna court over licensing preachers

Titus Akhigbe, Benin

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has hailed the judgment of the Kaduna state High Court, presided over by Justice Hajaratu Gwadah which declared that the state government has no right to screen and issue licenses to religious preachers in the state as it purports to do.

A statement issued in Benin and signed by the National President, Rev. Felix Omobude described the provisions of the contentious law as discriminatory and a violation of the fundamental rights of freedom of religion, and association as guaranteed by the constitution.

“The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) is relieved that the court is in alignment with our position, affirming that Sections 6 and 9 of the bill which seeks to screen and license preachers, violates the constitutional rights of members of the fellowship.

“We congratulate members of the PFN in Kaduna state. We urge all pentecostals in the state and beyond to continue to live peacefully with everyone, remain law-abiding in all their activities while continuing to accommodate the views of others.

“The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) will continue to work with the government and non-governmental actors at all levels to ensure the peace, progress and prosperity of Nigeria.”