The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), has commended President Bola Tinubu for donating his salary to the Armed Forces, describing the gesture as noble, but urged him to expand the initiative and confront worsening economic hardship and insecurity across the country.

In a statement signed by its National Secretary, David Bakare, the fellowship said the President’s action, taken in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief, reflects recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel, many of whom have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The PFN, however, advised the President to go a step further by including his allowances in the donation, noting that it remains unclear whether they were part of the contribution.

It also called for transparency on the total value of the donation from the beginning of the administration to date, stressing that Nigerians deserve full disclosure.

Beyond the symbolic gesture, the Christian body drew attention to the deepening economic strain facing citizens, citing rising fuel prices and cost-of-living pressures linked partly to global tensions, including the Middle East tension involving the US, Israel, and Iran.

It stated that the situation has compounded the impact of fuel subsidy removal, leaving many Nigerians struggling with higher transportation costs, food inflation, and expensive basic services.

The PFN urged the Federal Government to urgently introduce a comprehensive social safety net to cushion the effects of the hardship, noting that while support for the Armed Forces is vital, ordinary Nigerians also require immediate relief.

“It would be a meaningful birthday gesture if the President extends this generosity to the wider population through concrete measures that ease suffering,” the statement said. (Daily Trust)