The Synod of the Diocese of Sapele (Anglican Communion) took place in St. John’s Anglican Church, Orerokpe in Delta State on July 5-11, 2021 with the theme “The Lord is my Strength and Stronghold”-( A Pointer to the Benefits of God’s Presence)( Psalm 46:1&27:1).
The Diocesan Bishop and President of Synod, Rt. Rev’d (Dr) Blessing A. Erfieta JP who delivered the Presidential address called on Nigeria Politicians and Public office holders to be conscious of their actions and desist from attitudes that tend to neglect the welfare of the Nigeria masses. The Bishop urged politicians to turn away from misdoings that are tantamount to bringing untold hardship on the people they are elected or appointed to serve. The Anglican Cleric lamented the high level of poverty and hunger in the land; he observed that despite the rich natural resources, agricultural endowments and God’s blessings bestowed upon the Nigerian nation, majority of her citizens are suffering and living in agony.
Bishop Erifeta therefore tasks all politicians and their allies in positions of leadership to speedily initiate programmes and float people-oriented projects towards alleviating the plights of the people. He implores them to do all within their powers and provide an enabling environment for Nigerians to carry out their day to day businesses and farming activities unhindered. He called on the relevant government agencies at the National and State levels to provide adequate security for lives and properties. The Bishop emphasized the urgent need to make agricultural machineries, improved seedlings and loan facilities available for farming businesses to flourish among the citizenry.
The Bishop who decried the present crime rate and insecurity in the Nation also condemned corrupt practices that still thrive in the corridors of power. He posits that it is time to bring the activities of armed killers, bandits, kidnappers and terrorists to an end. That, the Nigeria politics and system of governance is becoming lamentable, posing tears and sorrows on the Nigeria State of today.
The Bishop Blessing Erifeta is confident that God remain our strength and stronghold in times like these. He concludes with the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 127:1 (KJV) that “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain”.
(The Ven. O. Nelson Emebeyo is the Diocese of Sapele Public Relations Officer and Administrative Secretary at the Bishop’s court in Sapele, Delta State)