Protection of Lives Must Come Before Politics, Elections — Cleric Tells FG

The Founder of Evangelical Bible Outreach Ministry International (EBOMI), Isa El-Buba, has called on the Federal Government to urgently prioritise the protection of lives and property over political activities and election preparations, amid rising insecurity across Nigeria.

The cleric made the appeal on Sunday in Jos, Plateau State, during the “Black Sunday” observance declared by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to honour victims of violence across the country.

El-Buba lamented the continued killings, kidnappings and displacement of innocent Nigerians, noting that repeated government assurances have yet to translate into lasting security improvements.

He stressed that Nigeria’s democratic system cannot be considered complete if citizens are unable to live safely in their communities, warning that governance must first guarantee security, justice and hope for the future.

“Too many innocent lives have been lost. Too many communities have been displaced,” he said, adding that the nation is at a critical point that demands unity and decisive action.

The cleric urged Nigerians from all religious and ethnic backgrounds to condemn ongoing violence and support efforts to restore peace nationwide.

He declared that no political ambition or electoral process should take precedence over human life, stating: “Before politics, before elections, before personal interests, we must secure the lives of Nigerians. No security, no election.”

El-Buba also called on security agencies and government authorities to intensify operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks, rescuing abducted victims, and restoring public confidence in national security institutions.

Beyond insecurity, he attributed Nigeria’s challenges to moral and spiritual decline, citing corruption, injustice, greed and abuse of power as factors weakening national stability.

He further urged the Church to take a stronger prophetic role in addressing societal issues while encouraging Muslims and other faith groups to jointly condemn violence and extremism in all forms.

The cleric’s message also included a direct appeal to the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu, urging stronger leadership and more decisive action to tackle insecurity and rescue kidnapped citizens.

El-Buba concluded by warning that citizens would continue to demand accountability from leaders until peace is restored, insisting that national recovery must begin with the protection of human life.

The Black Sunday observance, attended by religious leaders, traditional rulers, and public officials, underscored growing concern over insecurity and the urgent call for coordinated national response.