Anglican Church Decries High Poverty Rate

The first Session of the Seventh Synod of the diocese of Niger Delta North, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) ended last week with a call on government at all levels to adopt more effective and corruption-free approach to reduce the high rate of poverty and unemployment  in the country.
In a 14-point communiqué issued at the end of the Synod held at St. Barnabas’(Anglican) Church Elekahia, Port Harcourt, the Diocese regretted the high rate of  poverty and unemployment in the country despite the effort of various government agencies to tackle the problem.
The communiqué, which was signed by the Archbishop, Province of Niger Delta and Bishop of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, His Grace, Most Rev’d Ignatius C.O. Kattey the Chancellor, Sir Emeka Ichoku, and clerical Synod Secretary, Revd Canon Saturday Nbete, encouraged Christians to aspire for political offices, adding that that will bring Godly influence to bear in governance. It urged all Christians in political offices to bear fruits worthy of their Christian profession, and urged political aspirants to commit their desires and ways to God and play the political game according to laid down rules as 2015 general election approaches.
The Synod condemn the wanton destruction of lives and property and kidnapping, especially the abduction and hostage of over 200 Chibok girls, and called on the Boko Haram group, their sponsors and collaborators to release the girls forthwith, unconditionally.
The Synod commended the President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on the pursuit of his transformation agenda despite the security challenges in the country, and urged him to remain steadfast in his effort to keep Nigeria untied.
It also congratulated the rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for making the state the education hub in Sub-Sahara Africa and UNESCO’s choice of Port Harcourt as the World Book Capital 2014.
The 5-day Synod, which was presided over by Most Rev’d Ignatius C.O. Kattey and attended by the Houses of clergy and the Liaty, had as its Theme: “Jesus Christ, Our great High Priest”, and featured Most Rev’d Adebayo Akinde, Archbishop of Lagos Province and Bishop, Lagos mainland as guest preacher, talks on Christians in Leadership by Hon. Nimi Walson-Jack, and Jesus, the Only Way by Mr. Tony Oyetador.

Soye Young-Itiye