The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has strongly criticized the federal government for its handling of recent protests across the country. The protests, sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with bad governance and rising hunger, have led to increased tension nationwide. The bishops of the Anglican Church, who gathered in Abuja for a meeting, expressed deep concern over the government’s response and called for immediate measures to address the root causes of the unrest.
During their meeting, the Anglican bishops voiced their disappointment with the government’s apparent insensitivity to the suffering of ordinary Nigerians. They emphasized that the protests were a clear message to the government: the people are struggling, and their voices must be heard. The bishops urged the government, especially at the federal level, to take these protests seriously and address the underlying issues of hunger, poverty, and bad governance.
The bishops also condemned the use of excessive force by security agents against the protesters. Reports of protesters being killed by security forces have shocked many, and the bishops stressed the need for better training and retraining of security personnel. They called for security forces to adhere to international standards of engagement, particularly when dealing with peaceful protests.
The Church leaders were united in their call for the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the protesters. They urged the government to sit down with the protest leaders and discuss their demands openly and honestly. The bishops believe that the government should develop a plan that includes immediate, short-term, and long-term solutions to alleviate the suffering of the Nigerian people.
“The protest is a clarion call to governments at all levels, especially the federal, to heed the cry of the people,” said the bishops in a statement. They stressed that no government can effectively stop people who are hungry and desperate from protesting. Instead of blaming the protesters, the bishops said, the government should focus on addressing their legitimate grievances.
The bishops also expressed their alarm at the rising levels of insecurity in the country, including the increasing cases of kidnapping and banditry. They called on the government to take decisive action to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians. In their view, ensuring security and stability is essential not only for the safety of citizens but also for the overall development of the country.
Additionally, the church leaders highlighted the need for food security. They warned that without adequate food supply, future uprisings could become inevitable. To prevent this, they encouraged all Nigerians to engage in agriculture, no matter the scale. They also called on state and local governments to support farmers by providing the necessary materials and services to boost agricultural yields.
In a positive note, the bishops commended the recent Supreme Court judgment that granted autonomy to local government areas. They believe this is a significant step towards improving governance at the grassroots level. However, they emphasized the importance of effectively implementing this judgment to ensure that local governments can operate independently and efficiently.
The Anglican bishops also touched on the issue of xenophobia, praising President Bola Tinubu for condemning the recent #IgboMustGo xenophobic sentiments. However, they urged the President to go beyond words and take concrete actions against those responsible for such hateful behavior. The bishops argued that merely condemning xenophobia without holding those involved accountable sends the wrong message and undermines the government’s commitment to combating such dangerous incitements.
On the economic front, the bishops called for an emergency economic summit to address the country’s deepening economic crisis. They believe that bringing together credible Nigerians from various sectors to discuss and develop a comprehensive economic strategy is crucial. According to the bishops, this summit should focus on creating a sustainable economic plan that will put Nigeria on a path to stability and growth.
“We must spare no effort to ensure food security in this country to avoid future citizens’ uprisings,” the bishops stated. They urged all levels of government to work together to support agricultural initiatives and ensure that Nigerians have access to affordable food.
Source: Vanguard
