With seven days to the inauguration of a new government on May 29, the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has congratulated the citizens for their resilience and patriotism, especially the young people, for the change in the political landscape of the country, saying the birth of a new Nigeria was possible.
The Church said this was the best time to test the resilience of the nation’s judicial system in the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.
The Primate of the Anglican Church, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, stated these in his presidential address delivered last Saturday during the first session of the 12th synod of Abuja Diocese with the theme: “Synodality: The Transforming Journey with Jesus Christ.”
While congratulating the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the incoming governors, and members of the 10th National Assembly, he said they should be magnanimous in victory and see their victory as “a call to duty and an opportunity to make a difference in the service of God and humanity.”
According to him, Tinubu, governors, and national and state legislators should give due diligence to the security of lives and property, education, healthcare, the economy, the rule of law and law enforcement, all-inclusive government, addressing infrastructural neglect, the completion and operation of critical industries, and the building of a united and prosperous nation.
He said, “Having interacted with political actors, the Anglican Communion demands of the President-elect and his team, the Governors-elect and the national and state legislators that emerged victorious at the polls to give due diligence to the following, namely:
“Nigerian citizens demand that government put high priority on the security of lives and property of citizens by providing adequate security for all citizens. The present state of insecurity and attacks on Christian churches, communities, and indeed the citizens of this country, is worrisome. The security of lives and property of citizens will foster economic growth of the country.
“The government should ensure that education of our children at all levels is given top priority, as this is the best legacy our country can bequeath to her youth. The government should improve the healthcare delivery system, so that the current medical tourism among top government functionaries and privileged few can be completely eradicated or reduced. We have the capacity to provide and be a destination for health tourism, at least in Africa.
“We have great apprehension over the rising inflation, debt servicing burden, fuel subsidy and fear for the future of Nigeria. Alleviating the suffering of the masses should be the priority of the government, hence the Church demands adequate provision of education, economic empowerment and job creation/employment opportunities for the teeming youths and citizens.
“The provision of grants and loans for indigent people as a social safe-net for the citizens will offer every citizen the opportunity to contribute to the development of the country they call their own.
“The Church frowns at the negligent attitude of the leaders and lack of political will to enforce the rule of law. We, therefore, advise the government to maintain the rule of law and uphold civil rights, justice and equity. The judiciary should be made to serve the citizens in matters of justice and equity. Decentralising the police force and creation of state police will help to improve security and maintenance of law and order.
“The Church requests that our leaders should make a comprehensive assessment of the policies and procedures of governance to be able to make governance in Nigeria an all-inclusive affair. The government should ensure that appointment into political offices is not lopsided or done based on sentiment or sectional interests. We have an opportunity to give a new direction to this country, therefore competence and sacrifice for the good of all the citizens must be a priority consideration. The enforcement of the federal character and other regulatory policies will help to restore balance and fairness in the country.
“We encourage the incoming government to address the problem of infrastructural neglect and see to the full execution and completion of road construction, projects, schools and other basic infrastructure and make up for the long infrastructural deficiencies we have suffered in the country. The Church demands that the government should provide social amenities especially electricity, good public transport system and housing for the citizens because this will enhance better life for the citizens.
“The government needs to take as very important the development of key critical projects that are strategic for more economic and technological development of the country, especially, the Ajaokuta Steel Industry, our refineries and the need for modular refineries, textile industries, and other agro-based industries. These sectors will engender fast economic growth and employment opportunities in the country.
“The Church yearns for a rebirth of our nation through the leadership that ensures security of lives and property, a growing economy with a great future, respect for the rights, welfare and equity for all citizens, irrespective of tribe, religion, political affiliations and other preferences, but above all, we need a Nigeria where no person is haunted or oppressed.”