COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION) HELD FROM MONDAY, 5TH TO FRIDAY, 9TH FEBRUARY, 2024 AT THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ASCENSION, BOJI-BOJI OWA, DIOCESE OF IKA, DELTA STATE.
Introduction
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Standing Committee meeting met under the guidance of the Holy Spirit at the Cathedral Church of Ascension Boji-Boji, Owa, Diocese of Ika, from Monday, 5th – Friday, 9th February, 2024. The theme was “Who is on the Lord’s Side: Contending with Apostasy in our Generation.” (Exodus 32: 25-29). The meeting was presided over by His Grace, the Most Rev’d Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, DD, Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
Group Pictures of all the bishops in attendance at the Standing Committee Meeting of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion Held at the Cathedral Church of Ascension, Boji-Boji, Owa, Ika, Delta State.
In attendance were 145 Archbishops and Bishops, 150 Clergy, and 94 members of the Laity. Also in attendance at the formal Opening Ceremony were the wife of the Primate of Church of Nigeria, Mrs. Angela Eberechukwu Ndukuba, the President of Mothers’ Union and Girls’ Organizations; the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon. Elder Sheriff Francis Erowhedo Oborevwori, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa (Former Governor of Delta State) and his wife, Dame Evang. Edith N. Okowa; the Most Rev’d Nicholas D. Okoh, DD (former Primate of Church of Nigeria) and his wife, Mrs Nkasiobi Okoh; the Most Rev’d Ephraim A. Ademowo, PhD (former Dean of Church of Nigeria/Bishop of Lagos) and his wife, Mrs Oluranti Ademowo; the Most Rev’d Prof. George Lasebikan who preached the sermon and facilitated the Bible Studies; and other government and ecclesiastical functionaries.
At the end of the meeting the Standing Committee issued the following Communique:
Theme of the Standing Committee meeting
The book of Exodus contains the experiences of the elect people of God in Egypt, their trials, failures, God’s great deliverance and journey towards the Promised Land, as experienced by believers in Christ in the present Nigeria and the world at large. The theme condemns in its entirety the error of Aaron in leading the people of God away into idolatry, and which manifests today in immorality, wicked practices, backsliding, unholy cultural practices, denial of the faith, unfaithfulness, disobedience to the word of God, compromise and complacency, rebellion, spiritual insensitivity, homosexuality, hedonism, Babylonian spirit, occultism, necromancy, mormonism, materialism and the likes. The Standing Committee therefore calls the Church to repentance. It also enjoins the faithful to combat all forms of apostasy and its influence on the Church and the society at large; standing out for God alone in this fast changing world.
State of the Nation
The Standing Committee meeting of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) notes that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is gradually putting in place its plans and policy drive. The Standing Committee meeting therefore calls on the President and government to rise to the occasion of the challenging issues facing the nation:
- The spate of corruption:
The fight against corruption in our nation remains an ongoing battle in every sphere of the Nigerian life and governance. The Standing Committee calls on public office holders to shun all forms of corruption, as it is the bane of the woes of our nation. All corrupt public office holders and their collaborators should be brought to book and disciplined accordingly.
- The Judiciary:
The Standing Committee observes that the image of the Judiciary has been a subject of great concern. It however commends some of the recent judgements of the Supreme Court on some State Governorship elections which have reassured the people as a nation that justice and succour can be obtained from our judicial system. It therefore calls on the Judiciary to do more to guarantee justice in the country.
- The Economy:
The Nigeria economy has been a subject of great concern due to its diverse and biting challenges. It is currently at its lowest ebb since independence with macro-economic indicators moving in discouraging directions. Monetary policies have been inconsistent, non-supportive of economic growth, ineffective and cost-push inflation has been out of control resulting in high food prices. Nigerians are hungry! The Standing Committee therefore calls on the government to have a rethink on its penchant for external borrowing, give proper attention to fiscal policies, and diversify its economic base by harnessing our abundant natural resources.
- Insecurity:
The Standing Committee meeting decries the constant attacks in Plateau, Zamfara, Ekiti, Ondo, Benue, parts of Imo and Anambra States and other parts of the country. It therefore calls on the government and statutory security agencies to rise to their responsibilities of protection of the lives and property of the citizenry, giving heed to the call for effective community policing. This is in line with its constitutional obligation under section 14 (1) (b) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, which states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”
- Education:
The Standing Committee notes with dismay the failure of government to provide quality education for her citizenry, which has compelled Nigerians to seek admission in other countries, thus spending huge sums of money in foreign countries, thereby weakening the Nigerian economy. It decries the craze for certificates from unapproved institutions, and, accordingly urges the government to enforce extant regulations on institutions approved for study. It also urges the government and all stake holders to provide quality education for Nigerians.
- A New Constitution:
The Standing Committee renews her call for a totally civilian and democratic Constitution made by a sovereign representation of her people and not the continuous amendment of a military formulated Constitution. This will reflect the birthing of the government of the people in a new Nigeria.
Conclusion
We need the birth of a new Nigeria where no citizen is oppressed or marginalized; rather everyone has a right to strive for the good life. We need a nation where the productive sector is consistently and progressively developed, and where justice and equity prevail. Thus, let us make the inevitable choice of being on the side of truth and godliness.
The Ven. Gershinen Paul Dajur, PhD
General Secretary, Church of Nigeria
The Most Rev’d Blessing Chinyere Enyindah, PhD
Dean, Church of Nigeria
The Most Rev’d Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, DD
Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of Church of Nigeria