The Archbishop, Province of the Niger and Bishop, Diocese of Awka, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, expressed worry on Saturday that Nigeria is rapidly descending towards economic and political “perdition.”
Bishop Ibezim said this while delivering the Archbishop’s Charge during the 2nd Session of the 13th Synod of the Diocese of Awka, Anglican Communion, in Awka, Anambra State.
He said poverty and hunger are major threats to the nation’s peace and unity.
He, therefore, urged the authorities to make concerted efforts to alleviate economic and security challenges faced by the populace.
The cleric said it is unfortunate that, despite the efforts of the Federal government, the prices of foodstuffs and other essential items have continued to rise.
Ibezim described the economic policies of the Federal government as one bereft of the necessary values for the economy and called on President Bola Tinubu to overhaul his economic policies.
He appealed to the president to declare a state of emergency on poverty and hunger in the country.
“The pain faced by Nigerians is compounded by the weakening naira due to the forex exchange situation and increases in pump price of fuel, cooking gas, kerosene and electricity tariff.
“Time is now for the leadership of the country to avert the looming danger. Nigeria is rapidly on the way to economic and political perdition. May God help our nation, Nigeria.
“The truth remains that injustice sets back a nation and once an ideology about injustice is imbibed into a people, no amount of force can quell it unless justice is done,” he said.
The Archbishop commended the Prof. Chukwuma Soludo-led government in Anambra on the level of development so far in the State, especially in the education sector.
He urged the governor not to relent in his resolve to deliver on his campaign promises.
He also called the governor’s attention to some areas in the state grappling with the menace of cultism and touting.
The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr. Somtochukwu Udeze, said the Church has an enormous role to play in contemporary Nigeria.
He called on Church leaders to intensify efforts in children’s ministry to catch them young into noble characters as they grow into maturity.
News Agency of Nigeria reports that the 3-day Synod with the theme “Running the Christian Race: Implications for the church in perilous times” is held in Awka Central Archdeaconry, Church of the Pentecost, Awka.
The Archbishop’s Church service attracted nine Archbishops and 35 Bishops, traditional rulers, government functionaries and over 700 faithful.
– NAN