From Isaac Job, Uyo
The Methodist Church, Nigeria Diocese of Uyo has urged the federal government  to review  economic policies with a view to find solution to prevailing hardship and tackle insecurity in Nigeria. 
A communique signed by the Archbishop of Uyo Diocese Most Rev John Koko Bassey and Lay President Sunday Bassey at the end of the 30th annual synod conference  of the church decried the  present hardship faced by Nigerians and seek prayers for success of Tinubu’s reforms in all sectors of the economy.
The Communique which was made available to Journalists in Uyo  by the Public Relations Officer of Methodist  church, Uyo  Dr Abasifreke Idiong mentioned the theme of the Synod conference  as “He Will Rise Again” drawn from John 11:23 describing it as apt for Nigerians at this critical time of unstable economy, widespread hardship, endemic corruption,  insecurity and crumbling institutions.
The Communique reads in parts:
“Synod appreciated the 2025 Conference Theme of the Church “HE WILL RISE AGAIN” drawn from John 11:23b, and noted that it is apt and timely, particularly at times like this when Nigerians are under the weight of an unstable economy, widespread hardship, endemic corruption, insecurity, crumbling social institutions, and numerous challenges confronting the Church.”
It  expressed displeasure over the sufferings of Nigerians and appealed to church leaders and the nation to adopt exemplary style of Jesus Christ as a model for spiritual and national re-finish I don’t know ⁰awakening through genuine hope and concerted efforts to free Nigerians from poverty and sorrows.
 “Frowning at the needless suffering of Nigerians, Synod urged the leadership of the church and the nation at large to adopt the Jesus example at Bethany, as a model for spiritual and national reawakening, by not only promising  hope, but by taking concerted efforts at loosening the citizenry from the shackles of poverty and grief.
  ‘It consequently urged governments at all levels to ensure that the trend is reversed through workable and positive economic policies that will shore up the value of the naira, reduce fuel prices, transportation, cost of food materials, as well as implement “a living minimum wage” for workers.
The synod also emphasized walking with God to stimulate love and affection as well as unity to rebuild the nation and prayers for progressive and united Nigeria.
“Synod encouraged Christians in their walk with God, and urged all Nigerians to stir up their affection for worthy courses, unite to rebuild the Church and the nation, and keep praying to God to grant the nation a new, united and progressive Nigeria, where religious tolerance and peaceful neighborliness will thrive.”
Synod conference further identified factors inhibiting a reawakening of the nation to include corruption, bigotry, maladministration, insecurity, devaluation of the currency, and inflation, and appealed to government to initiate sustainable economic reforms across all sectors.
” Synod frowns at the recent political maneuverings in Nigeria, including the six-month suspension of Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Mr Sim Fubara, his Deputy, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly. While urging politicians to imbibe the tenets of liberal democracy, the Diocese notes that multiparty democracy remains a key factor, both in promoting the frontiers of human freedoms, and in strengthening participatory governance”.
The synod conference commiserated  with the Roman Catholic Church faithfuls in Nigeria, on the death  and interment of the 266th Pope of the church, His Holiness Pope Francis and  other revered and prominent leaders of the Church, who died in service to God and humanity .
“The Diocese prayed that God shall guide the Conclave in the election of a new Pope, and also raise Christian leaders who shall be selfless and sincerely committed to the services of God and humanity.”
The Methodist Church condemned rampant killings particularly in some parts of Benue and plateau states and pleaded the federal government to step up security architecture across the country .
“Synod expressed grave concern over the surging and unabated insecurity in our dear nation, particularly the killings in parts of Benue and Plateau States.
“Synod frowned at the unperturbed disposition of government which tends to suggest helplessness at a time when terrorists and kidnappers tended to take over the nation’s capital and the highways”.