By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
Piqued by the increasing donate of killings across Nigeria, the Diocese on the Niger (Anglican Communion), has, challenged the Federal Government to give maximum security to the lives and property of her citizens.
The diocese bemoaned how the phenomenon had worrisomely reduced the population of the nation as well as inflicted physical and emotional pains on many Nigerians, saying that the development was unacceptable.
The Bishop on the Niger, Rt Rev. Owen Nwokolo, made the condemnation and the challenge in the Presidential Address he delivered at the First Session of the 32nd Synod of the Diocese holding at the All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha on Friday.
The Bishop in an emotion laden address recounted how various terror groups operating as “unknown gunmen”, bandits, suspected Fulani herders and Boko Haram sects had constantly laid siege on communities and individuals in the country.
He appealed to the Federal Government to rise to the occasion by altering the present gruesome narrative in country.
He stressed that it is the sacred constitutional responsibility of government to protect the lives and property of the citizens.
Advising the Federal Government on how to contain the raging threat, Bishop Nwokolo urged the government to tactfully beef up the nation’s military strength by appropriating adequate budget for the military and modern fighting hardware, saying, “Nigerians can no longer tolerate the on-going senseless killings here and there”.
On the Federal Government/ASUU face- off, while the bishop condemned what he described as frequent industrial actions by the nation’s universities, he earnestly requested the Federal Government to have an objective appraisal of the demands of the lecturers and act promptly.
The Bishop also enjoined ASUU
to take a second look at its demands explaining that In negotiations of such nature and magnitude, disagreeing parties are expected to shift grounds for a possible positive resolution.
“They should do this, at least, for the education and future of our children”, he added.
The bishop had also in the 142 – page document congratulated the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo on his election as the Governor of the state and thanked God for what he described as the peaceful election that enthroned him as governor.