"Prophet Ariole Urges CAN: It's Time to Engage the Government, Not Just Pray"

Table of Contents

1. Call to Action from Prophet Austin Ariole
2. Need for a Security Committee
3. Church's Responsibility
4. Political Accountability
5. National Tragedy
6. Leadership Issue
7. Spiritual and Physical Responsibility

The General Overseer of the Goshen Freedom Tabernacle (GFT) in Delta State, Prophet Austin Ariole, has urged the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to refrain from issuing symbolic prayers without taking strategic actions.

In a message addressed to the leadership of CAN and political leaders on Monday, Prophet Ariole cautioned that prayers without accountability equate to religion, not spirituality.

While CAN had called for a nationwide prayer in response to the country's insecurity, the Cleric proposed that the association should “establish a high-level security and advocacy committee.”

He stated, “This committee must directly engage the President, Governors, Service Chiefs, and national security stakeholders—not through press statements, but through structured dialogue.

“Mobilize the extensive resources of the Nigerian church. God did not bless the church in Nigeria by chance. Our numbers, institutions, finances, and influence should be utilized for community protection, civic engagement, and grassroots security awareness.

“Guide the church towards righteous living. Angels are not inactive due to weakness; rather, they are hindered by the pervasive immorality and corruption that has infiltrated the church from top to bottom. Judgment must commence in the house of God.”

Prophet Ariole further urged politicians to stop pretending that the situation is under control. He remarked, “Nigerians are being killed daily. Silence is complicity.”

He emphasized that the political class must “prioritize security over politics. Elections and power dynamics mean little when citizens are dying.”

“Reform and modernize the security framework. Equip and support our forces, invest in intelligence, and dismantle the networks that enable terrorism.

“Engage religious and community leaders earnestly. Security cannot be achieved through force alone; it requires collaboration and sincerity.”

Prophet Ariole stated, “The daily killings of innocent Nigerians are no longer mere statistics; they represent a national tragedy. There is an ancient saying, ‘a stitch in time saves nine.’ When we neglect our responsibilities early, the repercussions multiply.”

“That is precisely where we find ourselves as a nation today. Let us be honest. Christianity is the largest faith group in Nigeria, yet we have allowed jihadists, bandits, and terrorists to invade communities, devastate farmlands, abduct citizens, and spill innocent blood.

“This is not solely a prayer issue; it is also a leadership challenge—both spiritual and political.

“Some ministers are publicly condemning herdsmen and terrorists while they themselves travel in bulletproof vehicles and are protected by heavily armed police and military escorts.

“That represents double standards. It conveys a confusing message to the congregation. God has equipped us with spiritual weapons, but He has also entrusted us with physical responsibilities.

“David did not confront Goliath with fasting alone; he brought a sling and a stone. Nehemiah prayed, but he also appointed watchmen on the walls. Even Jesus instructed His disciples, ‘He who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one.’ Thus, the church must cease portraying helplessness.”

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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