Lagos — An appeal has been made to the Federal Government to prevail on Sokoto State government to grant Christians living in the state the right to worship.

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Sokoto State chapter, made the appeal in a communique issued at the end of its ministers conference held recently in the state.

According to the communique signed by the national Vice-President of PFN, Pastor Elisha Nmeribe, Pastors Momo James and Ode Courage, state president and secretary respectively, the organisation decried the alleged threat by officials of the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey to demolish church buildings located at Mabera Mujaya area of the state.

"Twice last year, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) on Koko Road was vandalised by agents of Sokoto Urban and Regional Planning Board," PFN noted, adding that pastors and Christians are being intimidated regularly especially within the metropolis of the state capital.

The umbrella body of Pentecostal churches in Sokoto State lamented the ejection of its members without notice "and the increased cases of raping especially of Christian ladies in the state.

"We have also observed that while churches are being threatened with demolition by the government, the same government is using public fund to build more mosques and renovate old ones all over the state," the organisation declared.

The religious body is not happy that politicians who canvased for the votes of its members during their electioneering campaigns with a promise to uphold harmony between the two religions in the state reneged on their pledge and are at the moment describing establishment of churches as an illegal exercise.

Meanwhile, the largest chunk of Sokoto State revenue is generated from the non-indigenes and Christians resident in the state through various "inhabitant taxes," the organisation said.

To that end, the state arm of the PFN resolved that the freedom of movement guaranteed by the constitution of the country to every citizen of Nigeria must take precedence over any other consideration.

Quoting the provisions of Section 42 (1(a)(b) and (2) of 1999 Constitution, the religious organisaiton said that the government of Sokoto State has violated the rights of Christians to worship.

"By the provision of Section 38 (1), every person shall be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and freedom to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance," PFN declared.

While commending the policies of the state government on the rehabilitation of roads and war on hoodlums, the state arm of PFN remarked that "prior to the emergence of Sharia, approval of building plans for churches had always been very difficult in Sokoto State and that Sharia issue has worsened the situation.