The Archbishop, Province of the Niger and Bishop of Diocese of Awka, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, said on Saturday that poverty and hunger were major threats to the nation’s peace and unity.
He, therefore, called for concerted efforts to ameliorate economic and security challenges faced by the populace.
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, the Anambra State capital.
He said that it was unfortunate that in spite of the efforts of the Federal Government, the prices of food stuff and other essential items had continued to be on the rise.
Ibezim described the economic policies of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as one bereft of the necessary values for the economy.
He therefore called on the President to overhaul his economic policies.
He appealed to President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on poverty and hunger in the country.
He also called for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Ibezim said: “The pain faced by Nigerians are 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.”
The Archbishop commended the Prof. Charles Soludo-led government in Anambra State on the level of developments so far, especially in the education sector.
Ibezim urged the governor not to relent in his resolve to deliver on his campaign promises.
He also called Soludo’s attention to some areas in the state grappling with the menace of cultism and touting.
The Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze, said the church has enormous roles to play in contemporary Nigeria.
Udeze called on church leaders to intensify efforts in children’s ministry so as to catch them young and mould them into noble characters as they grow into maturity.
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The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the three-day Synod, with the theme: “Running the Christian Race: Implications for the church in perilous times,” is holding in Awka Central Archdeaconry, Church of The Pentecost, Awka.
NAN also reports that the Archbishop’s Charge service attracted nine Archbishops and 35 Bishops, traditional rulers, government functionaries and over 700 faithful.