The Umuahia Diocese of the Anglican Communion has risen from their 2021 annual synod to call on the Federal government to immediately address the current insecurity challenges pervading across the states of the federation, saying Nigerians need to be more security conscious in all places and at all times.
In a Communique issued at the end of the 10th Synod of the Anglican Communion, Umuahia Diocese, held at the St Mary’s Church Ohokobe Ndume, Umuahia,with the theme “Let Us Rebuild And End This Reproach”, the church said federal government as a matter of urgency, should address the various security challenges and incessant blood shed going on in the country.
The Synod observed that Nigerians that were once referred to as the happiest people on earth, have suddenly changed, with the nation sunk to the inglorious depth of being known as the poverty capital of the world.
Synod noted that Nigeria has become one of the most insecure nations,as a result of the activities of terrorists,bandits,kidnappers, Unknown Gunmen, among others.
The Church said that the high level of insecurity in the country’s educational institutions and other government owned institutions,as well as the recent attacks on police stations, aptly shows an abject failure of governance.
Synod, however, showed deep concern over the frightening level of unemployment that has practically affected the psyche of the youths, who now pick up any kind of job as means of survival.
The Church frowned at the astronomical increase in the prices of food items, building materials and as well the hike in petroleum products, electricity tariffs among others.
Synod also observed the plight of pensioners in Abia state,who after serving their state for years, are abandoned to suffer or die in tears and regret.
The Church further stated that the refusal by the fulani herders to heed to the existing law against open grazing in the state,is however, posing continuous insecurity in our forest and neighboring states, adding that Abians have not yet realized the urgent need to be security conscious in the light of recent security breaches in and around the state.
In its Recommendation, synod stated that the new service chiefs, the Inspector of Police and other Heads of the security apparatus, should not work in concert with one another,but should also be proactive and sincere in tackling the myriad of security challenges.
Government was advised to genuinely diversify the economy and create enabling environment for the economy to thrive, thereby addressing the unemployment situation.
Similarly, synod discouraged government from extenal borrowing that has no positive effects on the citizenry.
Synod, however, advised government to expedite action on the unconditional release of Leah Shaibu, adding that the establishment of ‘Ebube Agu’ Regional security outfit in the South East, should be given legislative backing by the various Houses of Assembly in the region.
While commending the Governor of the State ,Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, over his proactive measure in keeping Abians safe in the first and second waves of the Covid -19, Synod lauded the Abia government for its efforts to reconstruct and rehabilitate moribund roads and drainages especially in Aba and its environs.
Synod noted that Christians cannot afford to remain silent in the face of the numerous reproaches bedeviling the nation and the church, adding that Christian leaders are to live righteous and exemplary lives.
As challenges did not stop biblical Nehemiah from rebuilding the broken walls of Jerusalem, Synod enjoined Christians to rise up and rebuild Nigeria, taking away all reproaches that have humiliated us.
