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Paul Osuyi, Asaba
Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh on Wednesday attributed the festering insecurity in the country to the illicit activities of some among Nigeria’s political class.
Okoh said the few privileged persons in the political class have taken advantage of the country’s state of insecurity to defraud international bodies.
The Reverend spoke at the opening of the Standing Committee meeting of the church held in Asaba, Delta State. The meeting had as its theme “Fight the Good Fight of Faith”.
According to the Anglican prelate, “While the masses are suffering for no just cause, some privileged few have turned the regrettable situation into business, defrauding international organisations in the name of NGOs; while some others divert public funds and materials meant for IDPs.
“As we commend the Federal Government for the efforts made in the fight against insecurity in the land, we urge that the fight should be directed towards the sponsors of this heinous crime against humanity, no matter who they are. In that way, we may begin to see some permanent positive results.”
Okoh also called for synergy among security agencies, even as he advocated that pragmatic steps be taken to eradicate suspicion among the agencies for the good of the country, adding that “posterity will not forgive us if we forget Leah Sharibu, the Chibok girls and many others in the captivity of Book Haram, bandits and others.”
On the Nigerian economy, the cleric gave a thumbs down to the Buhari administration for what he observed to be its failure to diversify the economy as promised during the 2015 electioneering campaigns.
“We wish to further remind this administration that one of the promises made before the 2015 General Elections was the diversification of the nation’s economy, so that we would no longer depend on fossil oil as the main source of revenue,” the Reverend remarked.
“The time is far spent now without visible steps in that direction. We must realise that all over the world, concerted effort is being made to find lasting alternative to dependence on fossil oil. Therefore, the earlier we rise and move with the times, the better,” Okoh said.
He regretted that most Nigerian youths were being humiliated and even killed in foreign countries that are less endowed than Nigeria because of the unfavourable economy back home.
He said there is a urgent need to grow the economy for the country’s good internally, as well as for the country’s image among the comity of nations.
The Anglican Primate also renewed the call on government to fix the power sector, saying that past administrations have fed Nigerians with excuses which have become unacceptable.
Okoh added that if Nigeria can guarantee reliable, affordable and constant power supply, it will place the country on the path to fast economic growth.
Meanwhile, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba has emerged Primate-elect of the Anglican Communion.
Ndukuba will assume office in March 2020 at the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent Primate, Okoh.
Ndukuba, before his latest elevation, was the Bishop of Gombe Pankshin Diocese and Archbishop of Ecclesiastical Province of Jos.
He is also the Chairman of the Liturgy and Spirituality Committee of the Church of Nigeria.
The Primate-elect was born in September, 1959 and ordained a priest also in September, 1989.
He was consecrated a Bishop in September, 1999; presented as Archbishop in September, 2017, just as his latest election as Primate came in September, 2019.
