The Seventh Synod of the Aguata Diocese of the Anglican Communion has concluded its first session at Saint Thomas Parish, Umuchu, with a call to the federal government to take more decisive action in addressing insecurity and restoring hope in governance.
The synod, which is the highest decision-making arm of the Diocesan, had as its theme ‘The Church’s Great Task, The Great Commandment.’
In a six-point communiqué issued at the end of the three-day synod, ‘ the synod expressed concern over the federal government’s slow pace in combating insecurity and armed banditry, which threatens the peace and well-being of Nigerians.
The synod regretted the hardships caused by unfriendly government policies and urged the federal government to revitalize the economy for improved living standards.
It also decried the brain drain in key sectors due to the mass exodus of young professionals seeking better opportunities abroad.
“We as a church, have observed how some policies of the present Federal Government have plunged Nigerians into severe hardship. The removal of the fuel subsidy, hike in fuel pump price and electricity charges, among numerous others, have drastically reduced the purchasing power of Nigerians.
“The workers are suffering just as the common man on the streets. Our fertile lands which have fed the nation over the years, have been deserted due to the threat of herdsmen and we face the threat of hunger if nothing is done in the immediate future.
“We believe Nigerians deserve better from Mr President and we want to urge President Bola Tinubu to begin to take decisive action in response to these challenges faced by Nigerians,” the Communique said.
The synod commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his team for their achievements in Anambra State, particularly in security, law and order, infrastructure, and economic transformation, which have earned him multiple awards, including the Champion Newspapers 2023 Governor of the Year award for infrastructure and rural development.
The church further lauded the Anambra State government’s free education policy in public primary schools and junior secondary schools, as well as the employment of more teachers.
It urged the Governor to maintain his promise of merit-based appointments without regard to church denomination and politics.
The communiqué, signed by the Right Reverend Samuel Ezeofor, President of the Synod and Bishop of Aguata Diocese, and Reverend Uzochukwu Mojekwu, Clerical Synod Secretary, congratulated Justice Pete Obiora, Chancellor of the Diocese, on his elevation to the Court of Appeal and charged Nigerians to continue praying and working towards the total transformation of the country in its current state of distress.
