By Rhoda Godwin
The national leadership of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has reaffirmed Pastor Dr. Tam Seth Eyedoude as the duly elected Chairman of the Bayelsa State chapter, while intensifying efforts to restore unity and stability within the fellowship following weeks of internal disagreements.
The reconciliation meeting was held in Bayelsa and was led by the PFN National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, who represented the National President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke. The visit brought together state executives, church leaders and aggrieved members to chart a pathway toward peace and cooperation.
During the engagement, the national leadership stressed that the election which produced Eyedoude was credible and recognised by the national body, urging all stakeholders to respect the outcome and channel their energies toward strengthening the fellowship.
While addressing the gathering, the National Secretary cited Genesis 13:8, where Abraham appealed to Lot to maintain peace and not allow their herdsmen to separate them. He used the scripture to encourage members to avoid division, embrace reconciliation and prioritise unity over personal interests.
“Like Abraham told Lot, we must not allow strife to come between us because we are brethren. The PFN in Bayelsa must sheath its sword, walk in peace and work together for the progress of God’s work,” he said.
Bishop Bakare further emphasized that reconciliation requires sacrifice and humility, declaring that there should be no sense of victory or defeat among any group.
“Without sacrifice, we can never achieve reconciliation. Today, there is no winner and there is no loser,” he stated.
He announced directives from the national leadership that the harmonization of all PFN directorates in Bayelsa should be immediately carried out, under the supervision of the office of the National Vice President.
He also disclosed that all departments of the fellowship in the state would be reconstituted to strengthen inclusiveness, balance and effective coordination.
In a show of reconciliation, Pastor Dr. Tam Seth Eyedoude tendered an apology to the national leadership and to Pastor Timiebi Kiryama, explaining that any action or misunderstanding that may have caused offence was not intentional.
Eyedoude thanked the national body for its timely intervention and pledged to work in unity with all stakeholders to promote peace and stability within the PFN family in Bayelsa State. He maintained that peace has always guided his leadership approach and assured members of his commitment to sustaining harmony within the body of Christ.
Also speaking, Pastor Timiebi Kiryama requested that his group be carried along in the affairs of the fellowship, expressing willingness to embrace peace, dialogue and reconciliation in the overall interest of the church.
Observers at the meeting described the atmosphere as conciliatory, noting that the presence of the national leadership helped calm tensions and refocus attention on shared values and responsibilities.
Religious analysts say the reaffirmation of Eyedoude’s mandate, combined with the harmonization and restructuring directives, could help rebuild confidence and restore operational stability within the Bayelsa chapter.
Church leaders present welcomed the intervention, expressing hope that the reconciliation process would usher in a new era of cooperation, accountability and spiritual growth.
Beyond leadership issues, the national body urged members to uphold patience, forgiveness and mutual respect, reminding them that PFN exists to promote Christian unity, moral values and positive engagement in society.
As the reconciliation process continues, stakeholders remain optimistic that sustained dialogue and faithful implementation of the national directives will heal divisions, strengthen unity and reposition PFN Bayelsa for impactful ministry and community service.
