The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), has commended President Bola Tinubu for donating his salary to the Armed Forces, describing the move as a noble gesture in recognition of the sacrifices of military personnel.
The President had in a statement marking his 74th birthday on Sunday, announced plans to donate of all his salaries since assuming office to a special fund dedicated to wounded members of Nigeria’s armed forces and their families.
However, in a statement on Monday in Kaduna, David Bakare, its National Secretary, the fellowship said the decision reflects leadership responsibility, particularly at a time when security forces continue to bear the brunt of the burden of safeguarding the nation.
The PFN, however, urged Tinubu to go a step further by extending the donation to include his allowances, noting that it remains unclear whether they were part of the package.
It also called for greater transparency regarding the total value of the contribution, stressing that “Nigerians deserve clarity on the full amount involved since the beginning of the administration.”
While acknowledging the symbolic importance of the gesture, the Christian body also drew attention to the “prevailing economic hardship across the country,” warning that rising fuel costs and inflation have worsened living conditions for citizens.
It linked the situation partly to global tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which it said “have impacted the prices of petrol and diesel, with ripple effects on transportation, food, and basic services.”
The fellowship urged the federal government to urgently implement measures to cushion the impact on Nigerians, calling for a “comprehensive social safety net to support vulnerable citizens.”
“As the father of the nation, the PFN urges the Federal Government to introduce a comprehensive safety net to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship on citizens,” the statement said.
It added that extending similar gestures of support to the broader population would serve as a meaningful complement to the president’s donation to the military.
“It would be a meaningful and impactful gesture if… the President extends this act of generosity to the entire nation by announcing concrete measures aimed at alleviating the suffering of Nigerians,” it stated.
The PFN also condemned recent attacks in Plateau and Kaduna states, calling on government to intensify efforts to protect lives and restore security.
“Government must do everything possible to end this killings and ensure the security of all citizens,” it said.
The PFN, while congratulating the president, wished him wisdom and strength in steering the affairs of the nation
PFN: Tinubu’s salary donation to military commendable, but Nigerians also need relief
