The Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba took a hard look at the present situation in Nigeria and said the nation needed a rebirth through the election of people who will ensure security of lives, growing economy and great future through people-oriented Leadership with Integrity.
Addressing participants to the conference of Chancellors, Registrars and Legal Officers at the Church of Nigeria National Secretariat St Matthias ‘ House Gudu Apo, Abuja.Primate Ndukuba said “the present state of insecurity and attacks on Christian Churches, Communities and indeed the citizens of this Country is worrisome.”
He said the Church : “Have great apprehension over the Rising Inflation, Debt servicing Burden, Fuel Subsidy and fear for the future of Nigeria. Alleviating the suffering of the masses should be the priority of the Government,”
Excerpts from his address titled: ” The Decade of the Reign of God: The Journey So Far” reads
THE STATE OF THE NATION AND POLITICAL LANDSCAPE 2023
General Elections As Come And Gone: We congratulate the new administration of Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Alhaji kashim Shettima. We thank God for preserving the peace of this nation. What we went through as a nation has torn the fabric of many countries into pieces and plunge them into civil war but kept our nation. The untold hardship on the citizens since May 29th, 2023 is indescribable and unbearable the removal of petroleum subsidy and corresponding hike in petrol price without a corresponding measure to cushion its effect on the citizens, leaves much to be desired.Now, that campaigns are over, this administration must be proactive in providing much desired good governance and welfare for Nigerians. Nigerians are longing for the Birth of a New Nigeria. Our Ten Point Demands put forward to the main political Parties before the elections remains our stand now that Campaigns are over. We therefore reiterates them as follows:1. The Church demands that Government put high priority on the Security of lives and property of citizens by providing adequate Security for all citizens. The present state of insecurity and attacks on Christian Churches, Communities and indeed the citizens of this Country is worrisome. The security of lives and property of citizens will foster Economic growth of the Country. 2. The Government should also ensure that Education of our children at all levels is given top priority, as this is the best legacy our Country can bequeath to her youths.3. The Government should improve on Health-Care Delivery System, so that the current Medical Tourism among top Government Functionaries and privileged few can be completely eradicated or reduced. We have the capacity to provide and be a Destination for Health Tourism at least in Africa.4. We have great apprehension over the Rising Inflation, Debt servicing Burden, Fuel Subsidy and fear for the future of Nigeria. Alleviating the suffering of the masses should be the priority of the Government, the Church demands adequate provision of Education, Economic empowerment and jobs for the teeming youths and citizens. The provision of grants and loans for indigent people as a social safe- net for the citizens will offer every citizen the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Country they call their own. 5. The Church frowns at the negligent attitude of the leaders and lack of Political will to enforce the Rule of Law. We therefore advise the Government to maintain the Rule of Law and uphold civil rights, justice and Equity. The Judiciary should be made to serve the citizens in matters of Justice and Equity. Decentralizing the Police Force and creation of State Police will help to improve on Security and maintenance of Law and Order.6. The Church demands that our leaders should make a comprehensive assessment of the policies and procedures of Governance to be able to make Governance in Nigeria an all-inclusive matter.
The Government should ensure that the appointment into Political offices are not lopsided and should not be done based on sentiment or sectional interest. The enforcement of the Federal character and other Regulatory policies will help to restore balance and fairness in the Country. 7. The Church would hold the Government to account for any form of infrastructural neglects, and therefore, demands full execution and completion of Road constructions, schools and other basic infrastructure and make up for the long infrastructural deficiencies we have suffered in the Country. The Church demands that the Government should provide social amenities especially Electricity, and Power, good Public Transport System and Housing for the citizens because it will enhance better life for the citizens.8. The Church wants the Government to take as very important and seriously the development of some critical projects that are strategic for more Economic and Technological Development of the Country, especially, Ajaokuta Steel Industry, our Refineries and need for modular Refineries, Textile Industries and other Agric-based Industries. These sectors will engender fast Economic growth and employment opportunities in the Country.9. The Church yearns for a Rebirth of our Nation through the election of people who will ensure security of lives, growing economy and great future through people-oriented Leadership with Integrity, Accountably, Excellence and Character for the good of our citizens. 10. We are in search of Leadership that will respect the rights, welfare and equality of all Tribes and groups and build a united people and a thriving Nation where no person is oppressed.Economy: Our Economy has suffered so much setbacks and the common man on the streets is so battered economically. The prices of things continue to increase indiscriminately, workers could not afford cost of transportation to work.
The adverse ripple effect of the debilitating economy on the average Nigerian families is excruciating. The current unstable and exorbitant exchange rate of Naira to Dollars needs an urgent attention. The CBN need to rise up to its responsibility of defending the international value of the Naira.The country’s rising public debt profile remains of great concern, more disturbing is the propensity at which our government engage international loan, our generated revenue cannot even service our debt. The great Monster of corruption is endemic. As Christians, we must rise to make a difference in our nation. We certainly cannot afford to be accumulating debts capable of enslaving our future generations. The government needs to create enabling environment for Small Scale Entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive. We need to check the excessive cost of governance in Nigeria. If we are not careful a time we come in our nation that the cost of sustaining retired Governors will be more than a State revenue, this needs to be checked.Insecurity: Insecurity has been a challenge. Our people have lost their homes, livelihood, lives and property. We are constantly under attacks in our Nation and in some parts of our Dioceses churches have been destroyed, our members are kidnapped, some people are killed violently by sudden attacks by unidentified gunmen. The recent attacks in Plateau and Kaduna State is very disturbing. The trivializing of the sanctity of the lives of Nigerians in their own land is fast becoming a norm. The lives of Nigerians irrespective of religion, tribe, class or other considerations matter to God and to this Nation. We have more than 250 Ethnic groups that had existed peacefully for many centuries. The factors causing insecurity must be addressed. This will involve identifying and checking the activities of Terrorism, the porous National borders and free flow of ammunition and firearms, youth unemployment, Drugs and Criminality. “JAPA”- The Mass Exodus of Our Young Professional Population and The Future of Nigeria: The mass exodus of our Professionals and young people is worrisome. The political, economic and security situation in Nigeria shows that our young people have little to hope for in Nigeria. This perception must be changed such that those who desire to go out of Nigeria will do so by choice and not because of frustration. This problem of brain drain and depopulation of the most productive workforce will need to be addressed. Collapse Education Sector: The collapse of our Educational system is becoming almost irreversible.
The Federal Government seem to be lost as to the way out. This is what we get when the wrong people are place in authority. The reality is the that future of our young is now being jeopardized. This is an opportunity for the Church to make a difference through various Educational Institutions. We encourage our Dioceses to invest the Education of our people. Nigeria Needs a New Constitution: A Foundation for a Stronger Future: We commend the National Assembly on their effort to review the present Constitution, one is convinced that what we need is a totally New Constitution made by a Sovereign Representation of the Ethnic Nationalities of this Country. Nigeria, as a diverse and dynamic nation, has seen significant progress over the years, but it also faces numerous challenges. The current constitution has limitations that hinder the nation’s growth and stability. To address the pressing issues and lay a solid foundation for a stronger future, Nigeria must embark on the arduous but essential task of crafting a new constitution that reflects the aspirations and values of all people and culture. This new Constitution must reflect the Nation’s Identity and Diversity, a unifying force, that recognize and protects our diversity. It must Strengthening Federalism and Decentralization- the current constitution’s unitary tendencies limit the autonomy of state governments. We need a new constitution that would reinforce true federalism, granting states more powers to address local challenges and drive development initiatives. This new constitution should prioritize social justice, ensuring equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. By focusing on poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, and job creation. Our constitution must enshrine the protection of fundamental human rights and guarantee the rule of law with an independent judiciary that upholds the principles of justice, fairness, and accountability. It should inculcate measures to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms and improve governance standards. Transparent and accountable governance, coupled with stringent checks and balances. Nigeria’s youth and women constitute a significant portion of the population and hold untapped potential for national progress. We need a new constitution that will prioritize policies that empowers the youth, promote gender equality, breaking down barriers that impede women’s participation in politics, business, and other spheres of public life. In this digital era, technological advancements can play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s development. Hence, our new constitution should integrate provisions that support the growth of a knowledge-based economy, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship through embracing technology and create enabling environment
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
