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…Insists church reason Nigeria still exist
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Prelate of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Dr. Ekpeyong Akpanika, said on Sunday, that Nigeria could have strongly taken its position as giant of Africa politically, economically and otherwise, but for administrative recklessness of its political leaders that visited poverty and underdevelopment on the people.
Dr. Akpanika, in his Independence Day message, said the worst of the recklessness was witnessed in the past eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari, who went on borrowing spree without useful economic plans for the money borrowed.
He said: “Nigerians are being forced to pay for the policy mistakes of the past administration whose uncontrolled borrowing put the nation in a state of quagmire. When the borrowing spree started, relevant and reputable economic monitoring bodies and individuals expressed apprehension at the policy but nothing was done.
“Nigeria had not so long before then emerged from the vicious cycle and stranglehold of borrowing, debt repayment and debt servicing which held the Nigerian economy in bondage for decades. It took the brilliant engagement with our creditors for the nation’s debt to be reduced to an insignificant and manageable level. That achievement afforded the economy a breathing space, and within a short period, Nigeria achieved the enviable position as Africa’s largest economy. Unfortunately, that position has been reversed within the last few years.”
The Prelate, in the message which was released by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the Church, Rev. Nnoke Ibe,
said that considering the prevailing circumstances in the nation, he was constrained to admit that there was no need for celebrations but for the reason of being a sovereign nation for the past 63 years.
He appreciated Nigerians, particularly the Church that has kept faith in the nation, stressing that the continuing existence of Nigeria was due to prayers and support of the church in various ways.
He congratulated Nigerians for their resilience and ability to survive through difficult times, and appealed that they continue to keep faith with the leaders and the nation, assuring them that God will soon reward their persistence and hope.
