News
2023: Return Nigeria To Path Of Prosperity, Peace, Anglican Primate Tells Leaders
Ahead of the 2023 general election, the Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev Henry Ndukuba, has called on political leaders at all levels to exert themselves to return the country to the path of prosperity and peace.
According to him, Nigeria was fast becoming a failed state, but the downward spiral must not be allowed to continue.
Ndukuba, who gave the charge in his address during the 11th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Abuja,weekend, listed the challenges facing the country as insecurity, weak economy, and political impunity.
He, however, advised Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliations, to join hands in the collective action to tackle these issues.
“Nigeria is fast becoming a land flowing with tears and blood because the reality of terror, devastation, destruction and fear are evident. The troubles that come to the people are like the earthquake which was followed by a Tsunami with great destruction and property.
“Our people have lost their homes, livelihood, lives and property. Parts of this country are in the hands of different warlords, and state governors are incapacitated and unable to secure their states from the insurgents and the Federal Government also seems to be overwhelmed.
“We are constantly under attacks in our nation and in some parts of our dioceses, churches have been destroyed, our members kidnapped, some people are killed violently by sudden attacks by unidentified gunmen.
“The painful thing is that the dead are not counted and adequate recognition of the evil, made. The trivialising of the sanctity of the lives of Nigerians in their own land is fast becoming a norm,” he said.
As a panacea to these fundamental issues, the Anglican Primate said the urgency of a constitutional reform in Nigeria cannot be overstated.
He said, “The history of this country shows that in the different stages of our development and nationhood, several Constitutions were evolved to guide the country.
“While we commend the National Assembly for their efforts at reviewing the present Constitution, we are convinced that what we need is a totally new civilian constitution made by a sovereign representation of the nationalities of this country.
“This will address the fundamental issues necessary for growing, a united and prosperous nation. We need a new citizen-made national Constitution and not the amendment of a military formulated Constitution.”
On the state of the economy, Ndukuba warned the Federal Government that remaining within the current debt-to-GDP threshold was unsustainable without dire consequences, noting that about 90percent of the country’s revenue goes to debt-servicing.
He said, “The current trend of increased borrowing from other countries and international bodies to fund our national budget is becoming worrisome.
“The country’s rising public debt profile remains of great concern as about 95percent of our revenue goes to debt-servicing. This is unsustainable. In addition, it greatly limits expenditures for other critical sectors of the economy, thus hampering growth and development.
“Any external borrowing, which proceeds will end up in individual or party purses for campaigns, is evil and will destroy the economy more.
“We strongly caution against further borrowing and urge the government to harken to MPC’s advice to seek for alternative, more viable and efficient infrastructure-financing sources in order to ease our expenditure burden.”
He further challenged the government to show greater political will toward rehabilitating the country’s moribund refineries to enable them refine the crude into Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), diesel and kerosene, and thereby stop the importation of these products and the drain on Nigeria’s foreign reserves by the importations.
The Anglican primate noted that the year 2022 was very strategic in preparation for the general election of 2023.
He, therefore, cautioned politicians against bringing foreigners from neighbouring countries in order to enhance their political advantage.
“The foreigner who has no affinity or stake in this country can do any havoc for the financial rewards he stands to gain thereafter. There is a need, therefore, to guard our national borders against marauders and raiders,” he warned.
Ndukuba, nevertheless, urged all eligible Nigerians to be involved in the political process of the nation, saying politics is a God-given process aimed towards ordering the world and society.
“Though some people have hijacked the political processes for their personal agenda politics is not dirty as it was perceived by some people in the past.
“We encourage all citizens to be involved in the political process of our states and nation Christians should register with any party of their choice and be involved in the activities of the party from the ward level to the national.
“Those who contest for political offices are chosen from the grassroots and ward levels. The Anglican Church must be fully mobilised in the political process throughout this country,” he stressed.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated a special legal team to handle election petitions arising from last Saturday’s Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.
This comes as the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in Abaji, Kwali, AMAC, and Bwari Area Councils, while the PDP secured victory only in Gwagwalada.
The Tide reports that the council elections were held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, across all six FCT area councils, including Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali.
Results announced so far by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) show that the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in Abaji, Kwali, AMAC, and Bwari Area Councils, while the PDP secured victory only in Gwagwalada.
In a statement issued yesterday by PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party congratulated its candidates, who emerged winners in the chairmanship and councilor elections.
The opposition party acknowledged the victories, noting that the number of wins was lower than expected but significant given the alleged irregularities during the polls.
“We specifically congratulate the Chairman-elect of Gwagwalada Area Council, Mohammed Kasim, and the councillors who have been declared successful by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“This victory, though less in number than we anticipated, is particularly gladdening because it is against the background of unprecedented intimidation, high-powered money politics, and brazen executive brigandage,” the statement read.
Ememobong claimed that there are reports and video evidence indicating voter intimidation and unlawful conduct that influenced the outcome of the elections.
“Reports and video evidence abound where armed security personnel were used to cart away result sheets in polling units, intimidate voters, and unduly influence the outcome of the elections.”
To address complaints and litigations arising from the polls, he said the party has set up a legal team headed by its National Legal Adviser, Shafi Bara’u, Esq.
The statement urged candidates with legitimate grievances to contact the Legal Adviser promptly, as delays could jeopardise their chances in election petition cases.
“The incredible voter apathy in these polls is a direct response to the anti-people Electoral Act 2026, where the people have completely lost faith in the electoral outcomes from elections conducted under this Act.
“These Local Council polls may just be a foreshadowing of the forthcoming general elections in 2027 if changes are not urgently made,” the statement added.
The PDP called on the National Assembly and the President to take corrective action to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, will on Wednesday swear in Justice Joseph Oyewole as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The ceremony is scheduled to be held at 2pm at Courtroom Two of the Supreme Court complex in Abuja.
The court urged guests to adhere strictly to the court’s protocols and security measures.
This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Supreme Court’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Dr Festus Akande.
The court described Oyewole’s appointment as a step towards reinforcing the capacity of the apex court to deliver fair and timely judgments.
Recall that Oyewole was, until his elevation, a Justice of the Court of Appeal and Presiding Justice of the Enugu Division, and joins the apex court bench as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the judiciary.
The National Judicial Council recommended Oyewole for the position alongside 35 others for various judicial offices, following its 110th meeting held on January 13, 2026, and presided over by Justice Kekere-Ekun.
The statement partly read, “The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, GCON, will on Wednesday, 25th February, 2026, preside over the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Justice of the Supreme Court, Hon. Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole, JCA.”
According to the statement, Oyewole served with distinction at the Court of Appeal and as Presiding Justice of the Enugu Division prior to his elevation.
“His appointment underscores the commitment of the Nigerian judiciary to upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice, and strengthening the bench with experienced and dedicated jurists. He brings a wealth of legal expertise and integrity to the apex court to further enhance its capacity to deliver fair and timely judgments,” the statement added.
The apex court further described the swearing-in as “another significant step in rejuvenating the judiciary and ensuring the continued delivery of justice in line with the highest standards of integrity, competence, and impartiality.”
The Supreme Court reiterated its commitment to justice, fairness and judicial independence for the benefit of Nigerians.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed deep shock and sadness over the sudden passage of Senator Barinada Mpigi, the Senator representing South East Senatorial District of Rivers State.
In a tribute to mourn the deceased, Governor Fubara described Mpigi as a brother, a consummate politician and one of the leading lights in Rivers State.
He said that Mpigi died at a critical time when his services were still needed by the people of Rivers State and prayed God Almighty to grant him eternal rest.
The governor commiserated with his immediate family, the Rivers South East Senatorial District and the Senate at large, asking them to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived a good life and impacted positively on the people.
Senator Mpigi died at the age of 64. Until his death, he was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works.
-
Maritime2 days ago
Nigeria To Pilot Regional Fishing Vessels Register In Gulf Of Guinea —Oyetola
-
Maritime2 days ago
Customs Declares War Against Narcotics Baron At Idiroko Border
-
Sports2 days agoGombe-Gara Rejects Chelle $130,000 monthly salary
-
Maritime2 days ago
NIMASA,NAF Boost Unmanned Aerial Surveillance For Maritime Security
-
Maritime2 days ago
NIWA Collaborates ICPC TO Strengthen Integrity, Revenue
-
Sports2 days agoTEAM RIVERS SET TO WIN 4×400 ” MORROW” …Wins Triple jump Silver
-
Sports2 days agoNPFL Drops To 91st In Global League Rankings
-
Sports2 days agoNSC eyes international hosting rights