The just-ended 2020 Synod of the Diocese of Evo, Anglican Communion, Rivers State, presided over by the Bishop, Rt. Rev. Innocent U. Ordu, has strongly condemned corruption in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the mindless killings in Southern Kaduna and the terrible cases of rape in the country.
A statement signed by the Diocesan Communicator, Dr Jossy Nkwocha, last Monday, and made available to The Tide in Port Harcourt, indicated that the Synod, which held from Thursday, 13th to Sunday, 16th August, 2020 at St Mathias Anglican Church, Atali District, Trinity Archdeaconry, had as its theme: “Stronger and Better Together.”
In a communique issued at the end of the Synod and signed by the Bishop, Rt. Rev. Innocent Ordu and the Chancellor, Barrister Nlerum Amadi, the delegates addressed various vices plaguing the country.
“Synod condemns the level of alleged corruption involving members of the Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and key officers of the National Assembly in the finances of the commission, and therefore, calls on President Muhammadu Buhari, to immediately freeze the accounts of NDDC and carry out a total overhaul of both the Ministry of the Niger Delta Affairs and the NDDC.
“Synod expresses concern over the spate of insecurity in the country, particularly the unwarranted killings going on in the Christian-dominated Southern Kaduna, in Kaduna State; armed banditry and activities of Boko Haram in the Northern part of Nigeria; the menace of herdsmen, armed robbery and kidnappings in the entire country.
“Synod calls on the Federal Government to wake up from its deep slumber and end the bloodbath and restore the sanctity of life, and also the International Community not to keep quiet over the security situation in Nigeria.”
The Synod also commented on the Coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19), saying, noting “that for Nigeria, the pandemic has exposed the extent of neglect and decay of the healthcare delivery system and facilities, and the urgent need to overhaul the health sector.”
It described the cases of rape in Nigeria as alarming.
“Synod condemns the alarming trend of rape and sexual assault cases in the country and calls on governments at all levels to take stringent measures to check this menace.
“Synod commends the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and other Civil Society Organisations and the media for their roles in raising awareness against the incidence of rape and sexual assaults that have become the new epidemic in town.”
According to the communique, the Diocese of Evo Synod commended the Government of Rivers State under the leadership of Chief Nyesom Wike, for the concern and interest he demonstrated towards the health of Rivers people, especially in the wake of the Coronavirus infections (Covid–19), and the zeal he applied in the fight against the pandemic.
“Synod lauds the governor for the numerous people-oriented projects, particularly the completion and commissioning of the Rumuokwurusi – Elelenwo – Akpajo Road now renamed Justice Iche Ndu Road, and the on-going construction of flyover projects at Rebisi, Rumuokoro, Rumuogba, Rumuola and Oromeruezimgbu, and also for striving to give the city of Port Harcourt a brand new look.
“Synod draws the attention of His Excellency to the urgent need for yet another fly over at Rumuokwurusi/Elimgbu Junction (Tank Junction) as this will certainly reduce the level of suffering and enhance the flow of traffic in this part of East/West Road.
“Synod joins the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, to thank the Federal Government for the refund of the sum of over N78billion to Rivers State being part of the money spent by the state on the construction and rehabilitation of some federal roads in Rivers State.”