The Methodist Church of Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to rejig it’s security machinery to check terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.
This was contained in a nine point communique issued and endorsed by its Archbishop, Most Rev Chimezue Nwamkpa and Lay President Arch Sunday Bassey at the end of the 26th Annual Synod of Uyo Diocese and made available to newsmen in Uyo yesterday.
With the theme, ” Watch and Pray” the communique observed that challenges facing the nation had impacted negatively on states and churches in particular and appealed to federal government to tackle them holistically.
He listed issues affecting the nation as terrorism, insurgency occasioned by banditry and encouraged Nigerians to be morally upright, sensitive and vigilant so that they would not be wiped out by those calamities.
“Synod appreciates the Prelate, His Eminence, Dr Samuel ‘Emeka Kanu Uche, JP, for the insightful theme, “Watch and Pray”, which is very apt and timely at a time when the world is grappling with insecurity and terrorism.
“Synod calls on government at all levels to reappraise their anti-terrorism strategy, while also encouraging Nigerians to be morally upright, spiritually sensitive and increasingly vigilant.” It said.
It also commended the FG for effective handling of covid19 pandemic but regretted that ongoing social investment programmes did not get to most vulnerable persons in the society .
“Synod commends the Federal Government of Nigeria on the handling of the Covid 19 pandemic, but expresses concern that the numerous ongoing social investment programmes, such as the conditional cash transfer, Covid 19 National Survival Fund, Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme (P-YES), Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme (AADS), N-power, Target Credit Facility, Financial Moratoriums and other relief handouts did not get to most of the vulnerable, for whom they were meant.” It said.
The communique commended the leadership of the church for successful skill acquisition and enterprenuership in the state adding that such gesture would reduce unemployment problems in the state and lauded achievements of Governor Udom Emmanuel in providing skill acquisition training for 3000 youths.
It however condemned violent killings in Essien Udim , OrukAnam , Mbo , Okobo , Ini and other parts of the state including unwarranted attacks on security agencies within and outside Akwa Ibom State.
“Synod condemns the unabated pockets of violence and bloodletting in Essien Udim, Mbo, Oruk Anam, Okobo and Ini local government areas of Akwa Ibom state; Nsukka, Enugu state, Owerri, Imo State and other parts of the country.
“Synod reasoned that much appears left to be desired on the part of government in checking and bringing to book the activities of persons identified as bandits, killer herdsmen, kidnappers and terrorists who look determined to make the country unsafe for peaceful coexistence of Nigerians.” It concluded.
