Korede Akintunde in ABUJA —
The Keffi-Karshi Missionary Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has raised a strong alarm over the state of the nation, cautioning against any systematic stifling of political opposition and demanding urgent interventions to shield citizens from biting economic hardship.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the First Session of the First Diocesan Council, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Karu, Abuja, presided over by the Diocesan Bishop, the Rt. Rev’d Dr. Gershinen Paul Dajur.
The Synod warned that a healthy democracy requires multiparty participation and vibrant opposition, cautioning political actors against strangulating rival parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. It tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the electorate to deliver free, fair, and credible polls, while calling on voters to reject monetary inducements, ethnic and religious sentiments.
The church further challenged judicial officers to resist political interference and uphold impartiality in handling political disputes.
While noting modest macroeconomic stability, the Council stressed that ongoing economic reforms have yet to alleviate severe hardships, including spiking food inflation, naira pressures, and youth unemployment. It called for expanded social protection, energy affordability, and transparent public expenditure.
On national security, the Diocese mourned victims of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, urging security agencies to upgrade intelligence, improve personnel welfare, and dismantle root causes such as small-arms proliferation and deep-seated poverty.
Focusing on the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State corridors, Bishop Dajur demanded urgent solutions to mounting refuse disposal crises, severe traffic congestion, and potable water deficits. Nationally, it urged increased healthcare funding to halt professional brain drain, while praising the Federal Government’s policy pivot toward skills-based, employable graduate education.
Anchored on the theme “Building Together With God” (Nehemiah 3)—and attended by prominent church leaders including Archbishop Timothy Yahaya of Kaduna and Bishop Ephraim Gongden of Jos among others—the Diocese called on all Nigerians to abandon ethnic pride and division to forge a secure, equitable Church, society and nation at large.
