Polycarp Sola-Abakaliki
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Anglican Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Rt. Reverend Monday Chukwuma Nkwoagu has decried the level of insecurity in the Country.
Nkwoagu disclosed this in a communique issued at the end of the 1st session of the ninth synod of the diocese of Abakaliki Anglican communion, which was held at the St. James Anglican church, Onuebonyi in Izzi local government area of Ebonyi State.
He blamed the Federal Government as well as the security agencies for their inability to curb the menace of banditry ravaging the country and urged political actors to play by the rules of the game to avoid further bloodshed.
“Daily for several years now, the already intimidated and helpless citizens of our country are kidnapped and made commercial commodities in the hands of what the Federal government calls bandits.
“Some among the captive who could afford the humongous financial ransom, are left off the hook whereas others whose relations could not afford the money demanded were slaughtered like animals, etc. Citizens are not safe on the roads, at home, or on the railways, even in the Church of God.
“How long shall the people of this country be subjected to this dangerous and dehumanizing situation while the government looks on, and does little or nothing to bring it to a halt?”. He lamented.
The synod, equally pointed out some critical sectors of the country that requires special intervention, such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Judiciary, Education, Economy, and school infrastructures, using Ebonyi as a case study.
INEC
“The Synod takes this opportunity to commend Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the seamless elections she conducted in States like Anambra, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, etc, where her electronic transmission and other modern devices were deployed and rigging of elections in those places was minimized.
“In recent times, INEC has assured Nigerians of credible elections. The Synod urges her to live up to her promise by disallowing distractions, extraneous factors, and influence as she conducts”. He informed.
NIGERIAN ECONOMY
The Cleric said Government at this moment very much appears confused in the case of insecurity of lives and property of her citizens, wherein her only source or major income source, crude oil is being stolen by who? No one can explain,
“To the Synod, this is unacceptable, government should be able to know those involved in the illegal lifting and sale of crude oil from the shores of this country and bring them to book.
THE JUDICIARY
The Synod is very much worried about the way and manner conflicting judgments and rulings are delivered by revered and respected noble Lords of the legal profession.
“The Synod reasons that some lawyers and judges may have allowed the unscrupulous politicians to influence them in their work and urge them to checkmate such unpleasant development to avoid further total loss of confidence, faith, and respect for the third arm of government”.
EDUCATION SECTOR
He added that “Just as the Synod was sitting, the news of call off of about eight (8) months ASUU strike was heard. Though welcome news, what about the losses such as rent, fees, etc., incurred by parents and students during the period that will have to be paid again?
“The Synod, therefore, decries this situation and urges the government to always guard against anything that will bring it about in the future”.
INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICIENCY
“As long as most federal roads in the south, particularly the southeast are in dangerous and deplorable states, the Synod shall not fail to point it out. Thus, while she commends the Federal Government for the ongoing work on the second Niger Bridge, she further urges for accelerated repairs or rehabilitation of other federal roads in the south-south and south-east zones”. He added.