The Spiritual Advisory Council of Christ Church, Port Harcourt, has called on the Federal and state governments to intensify efforts to address worsening insecurity and economic hardship across the country.
The council, made up of leaders of the Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches, also condemned the ostentatious display of wealth by public officials and politicians amid the hardship confronting many Nigerians.
The calls were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the council’s 10th meeting held at the weekend under the theme, “Manifesting His Glory,” taken from Psalm 97:6.
Expressing concern over the persistent cases of kidnapping and violent crimes, the church leaders urged the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to tackle the crisis.
While commending the government, armed forces and other security agencies for recent gains in the fight against insecurity, the council urged them to urgently address what it described as the seemingly intractable kidnapping situation.
On the economy, the SAC described the current situation as severe and unfortunate, noting that the hardship had also contributed to the country’s security challenges.
“It has rarely been this difficult in our nation and for her citizens during peace time,” the council stated.
It urged the Federal and state governments to ensure that measures introduced to reduce transportation and food costs were properly and evenly implemented.
The council further called for additional interventions to cushion the impact of the economic crisis, which it described as “most excruciating and increasingly unbearable” for the majority of Nigerians.
The church leaders also expressed concern over the conduct of some public officials and politicians, particularly what they described as the “increasingly unrestrained ostentatious display of affluence” amid widespread hardship.
They called for greater accountability, selflessness and efficiency in public service, as well as what they described as “moral and ethical rearmament” to promote propriety in public and private conduct.
On the 2027 general elections, the council urged the government to ensure a free and fair electoral process while calling on politicians to conduct peaceful and issue-based campaigns.
It also encouraged citizens, particularly Christians, to participate actively in the political process and vote for candidates capable of providing good governance at all levels.
The council welcomed the Federal Government’s proposed restructuring of the policing system through a dual framework involving state and federal police commands.
It said the initiative could lead to a more localised and effective policing system if properly implemented.
The SAC also congratulated the leadership and people of Rivers State on what it described as the restoration of constitutional order, while praying for continued peace and progress in the state.
The meeting was attended by the SAC Chairman, His Eminence, Dr Ekpenyong Nyong Akpanika, Prelate and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria; and His Grace, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria.
The Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr Oliver Ali Abah, was represented by Most Rev. Otuekong Ukut, Archbishop-Elect of the Methodist Archdiocese of Calabar.
The council also commended the leadership of Christ Church for what it described as a smooth transition and growing unity within the congregation.
It encouraged the church to strengthen support for young people through skills acquisition programmes and endorsed its Food Bank initiative for needy members and residents in the wider community.In its concluding exhortation, the council urged Christians to remain steadfast in faith and continue praying for Nigeria, while advocating stronger moral and spiritual upbringing for children and young people.
It called for hard work, honesty, perseverance and patriotism, and urged Nigerians to reject prejudice, hatred, violence and bloodshed.
The council expressed optimism that the current difficulties would eventually give way to renewed prosperity in Nigeria.
Guardian
