From Obinna Odogwu, Awka
The synod of the Diocese of Awka (Anglican Communion), yesterday, rated President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year rule very low, saying that he failed Nigerians.
Bishop of the diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, disclosed the position of the diocese while presenting the Archbishop’s Charge to the 1st Session of the 13th Synod at St. Peter’s Church, Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Ibezim, who doubles as the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger, made it clear that the church was not happy about the poor state of the country at the moment, saying that Nigerians have been experiencing hardship in the past eight years.
“Nigeria as a nation is blessed by God with human and material resources which ought to be utilized for the good of the people. Unfortunately, the resources that are meant for the benefit of all have been hijacked by a few in authority.
“This leaves the common man with little or nothing to work with to survive. These eight years have been very challenging. The administration was marked with incessant killings, kidnapping, unresolved agitations, looting and inflation, increased rate of unemployment and hardships, lopsided appointments and fuel scarcity.
“The people are yet to breathe the air of democracy. Our politicians show little or no interest in the people they are supposed to be representing. The people are tired and they are yearning for a new Nigeria.
“We urge Nigerians to keep this hope alive because we are certain and praying that a new Nigeria where justice, fairness, equity, peace and progress will emerge”, the synod stated.
On the 2023 presidential elections, the synod said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) betrayed Nigerians.
“The 2023 presidential elections could not satisfy the expectations of the people as regards the credibility of INEC in delivering free and fair elections.
“We appreciate Nigerian people, especially the youths for coming out en masse to cast their votes despite the challenges of fuel and cash scarcity at the time.
“The people have succeeded in changing the campaign and voting narrative of our country and to say that the voice of the people still counts. We encourage us to hold unto the virtues that make for peace and progress for the good of our nation and for us all”, it said.
The diocese commended the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, and his deputy, Dr Onyeka Ibezim, for their efforts to develop the state.
“We congratulate Prof Chukwuma Soludo and Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim for their one-year in office as governor and deputy, which was commemorated at the International Convention Centre, Awka on 25th March, 2023.
“This administration is on the journey of making Anambra State a pleasant and habitable place. We acknowledge with gratitude the massive road constructions going on across the state alongside other key structural and infrastructural development.
“We applaud the governor for the massive recruitment of 5,000 teachers across the state which will impact positively on the education system and reduce unemployment among our youths.
“While appreciating the governor and his team, we urge them to continue the good work and speed up the execution of their agenda for the state and to ensure maximum peace, justice, equity and security in Anambra State, which will attract foreign projects for the benefit of all”, the synod stated.
In his remarks, Soludo commended the Anglican Church for its support, assuring it that his administration would not fail to deliver on his campaign promises.
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