The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, declared the 14th General Synod of the Church opened.
In his general address, the Primate called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be more committed, sincere, and proactive in attending to various issues of governance of the Nation rather than invading Niger, a neighboring country.
The Primate while speaking on the theme of the Synod tagged: “Arise and Build: God’s Mandate For God’s People In A Broken World” which was held at St. Mark’s Church in Nnewichi, Nnewi, charged participants and indeed the Christians across the board to rise up from where we are beaten down to a higher pedestal – to awake from our slumber, complacency and despondency through God’s own enablement, and build and rebuild what is about to die. God wants us to serve His purpose for our lives, families, the church, humanity, and the nation.
Primate Ndukuba, who spoke on many national issues including the petrol subsidy removal, security, the need for a new Nigerian constitution, economy, health, and rule of law, among others, asked the President to be more intentional and proactive in piloting the affairs of the Nation.
“Nigerians are longing for the birth of a new Nigeria. Give more opportunities to women and young people. Nigerians demand a political leadership that will respect the people’s rights and welfare as well as promote equality for all. The measures by the federal government to cushion the effects of the petrol subsidy removal are inadequate and unsustainable and therefore need to be improved upon”, said the Primate.
He reminded the congregation that Niger is an extension of the North West, pointing out that any military intervention in that country will stir up emotions, but suggested that diplomatic solutions should be deployed and not fall into the encouragement of Western countries seeking to disrupt the continent.
Governor of Anambra State, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR who attended the General Synod noted that the theme of the Synod is marked by significant messages of unity and inclusivity. He asked the church to join in the efforts to unite and rebuild the country.
Professor Soludo emphasized that the church is one and must strive to live as one, saying that it cannot cover a reasonable distance, by walking alone.
He noted that it is only by walking together that a better society is realizable, calling on the church as a major stakeholder, to use its power to pull people of goodwill together and help the poor, especially in this time of daunting economic challenges.
“It is only if we go together, that we can build this society. During the recruitment of teachers we conducted in the state which was adjudged as “unNigerian”, we tried to recruit the best, not on the basis of their tribe or state of origin”.
“We must begin to deal with people based on who they are. Only then can we truly profess that we are Christians”, the Governor said.
He commended the church which he said is doing quite a lot, building schools, running hospitals, and doing work of charity.
During his address, Governor Soludo emphasized the importance of transcending tribalism and treating everyone equally, highlighting the significance of an individual’s contributions rather than their ethnicity.
The Governor was accompanied to the event by the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, National Chairman of APGA, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, Commissioner for land, Prof Offornze Amucheazi, SAN, Commissioner for Industry, Christian Udechukwu, Chief Protocol officer, Hon Chinedu Nwoye (Glamour) among others.
The Synod comes to an end on Saturday 16th September, 2023.
Korede Akintunde
CoN Communication Officer
