2023 Presidency: Influential Nigerian Bishop Under Fire for Backing Southern CandidacyPAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see Legit.ng News on your Facebook News Feed! A group of clergymen under the aegis of the Coalition of Middle Belt Clergy have distanced themselves from the utterances of the national president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Wale Oke. The clergymen described Oke's call for a power shift to the southern part of Nigeria as divisive and not worthy of emulation especially coming from a man of God. Recommended for you Banks begin payment of old naira notes to customers, set withdrawal limits... In a statement signed by its convener, Bishop Prince Madaki, on Tuesday, February 15, and seen by Legit.ng, the coalition said it is not part of the attempt by the man of God to bring disunity among Nigerians. Condemning in totality the remarks of the Bishop of PFN, the coalition said it was highly unfortunate and unacceptable for such utterances to be heard from a person of the calibre. Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through info@corp.legit.ng! Madaki adding that Oke spoke for himself and not for or on behalf of the children of God, said the PFN leader did not speak in his capacity as the national president of the fellowship. According to Madaki crediting such remarks to PFN would amount to dragging a theological institution into politics and lead to surreptitiously imposing theocracy on the country. Recommended for you 2023 presidential election results: Labour Party releases list of Peter Obi... His words: Basically, Madaki noted that the coalition's disappointment on the issue stems from Oke's call which came at a time when the country needs additional healing from all kinds of divisions sown by the rich and the powerful. The PFN had joined political stakeholders in Nigeria to call for a power shift to the southern region of the country. Recommended for you "Which school is this?" Oyinbo teacher in UK marks attendance register in c... The call for the shift of power to the southern region was made by the national president of the fellowship Bishop Wale Oke. Oke said Nigeria's next president after President Muhammadu Buhari should be a Christian who is also from the southern region. A coalition of pro-Atiku Abubakar's groups had denounced their involvement in the former vice president's 2023 presidential ambition. The announcement was made by a coalition consisting of four different groups led by eight representatives. According to the coalition, it is time for the whole country to align and allow the south to have the opportunity to produce a president. Source: Legit.ng Bishop Wale Oke of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria is under fire for calling for a southern candidate to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari The Bishop's remarks that the country needs a president from the southern part of Nigeria who is also a Christian has been described as divisive According to the Coalition of Middle Belt Clergymen, Bishop Oke does not speak for the entire members of PFN or children of God in Nigeria PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see Legit.ng News on your Facebook News Feed! Legit.ng Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through info@corp.legit.ng! "He (Oke) should not use the name of the Pentecostal fellowship for self gains and purposes or he should resign his spiritual commission to pursue politics full time. "The Coalition Middle Belt Clergy is of the view that the 2023 presidency will be decided by Nigerians as guided by God." "If the electorates decide on someone from the middle belt which is also known as the north-central geo-political zone that person’s faith will be immaterial to the extent that he can lead God’s people to the promised land."