THE COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 2ND SESSION OF THE 7TH SYNOD OF THE DIOCESE OF AROCHUKWU/OHAFIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION) HELD FROM THURSDAY 4TH – SUNDAY 7TH JULY, 2024 AT ST. LUKE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, UMUZOMGBO, IHECHIOWA ARCHDEACONRY, AROCHUKWU LGA, ABIA STATE
PREAMBLE
The 2nd Session of the 7ht Synod of the Diocese of Arochukwu/Ohafia (Anglican Communion) which was held from Thursday 4th – Sunday 7th July, 2024 under the guidance of the Holy Spirit was presided by his Lordship, the Rt Rev. D.r Johnson C. Onuoha, Diocesan Bishop. Also, ni attendance were, Mrs. Chinwendu .I Onuoha (Nnedinma), President, Women and Girls’ Organization, Diocese of Arochukwu/Ohafia (Anglican Communion), His Grace, The Most Rev. Isaac. C. Nwaobia PhD, Archbishop of Aba Province and Bishop of Isiala Ngwa South Diocese, The R.t Rev. D.r Geoffrey O. Ibeabuchi, the Synod Preacher and Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, and seven other Bishops within and outside Aba Province, Twenty-Seven members of the House of Clergy and Sixty-Nine members of the House of Laity.
The Synod received guests at the Opening Ceremony, including His Excellency, Senator MAO Ohuabunwa, former senator Abia North Senatorial District, ably represented by Sir
Monday Amah, among others.
THEME OF THE SYNOD
The theme of the Synod was Understanding the Stages of our Spiritual Journey: Come and be with Me drawn from Mark 3: 13-14. It was exhaustively exposed through the Bishop’s Charge, the Bible Studies and seminars. The meeting calls on Christians ot a purpose that involves God’s Kingdom and that has eternal ramifications, a life of transformation that begins with cutting of the hard, selfish, prideful, lazy and greedy life ni us ni order to reveal His Spirit ni us. This can only be achieved through a deliberate decision to answer the cal of the LORD Jesus to be with Him in order to reflect His nature to a dying world.
STATE OF THE NATION
The Synod noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is gradually putting in place its policy and plans especially the courageous removal of fuel subsidy, but laments that necessary steps were not taken to cushion the effect of the removal which has led to untold hardship and suffering of the masses, general inflation, high cost of the price of staple foods, hunger and anger in the society. This highlights the difficulties that many Nigerians are facing today as wages have not kept up with the rising cost of living.
The Synod therefore calls on the government to employ appropriate measures to reverse the economic downturn in order to avoid plunging the nation into a total breakdown.
ABIA STATE
The Synod notes with delight the giant strides being taken by his Excellency, D.r Alex C. Oti OFR, the executive Governor of Abia state in reviving the state and encouraged him to continue with this tempo.
INSECURITY
The Synod decries the continued insecurity that has plagued the nation ranging from herdsmen attack, kidnappings, communal clashes and attacks from unknown gunmen; and calls on the government and security operatives to device new strategies in tackling insecurity in the nation. The Synod further appeals to the Federal Government to do al within their powers to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally since a court of competent jurisdiction has granted him bail.
JAPPA SYNDROME
The Synod notes with dismay the continuous mass exodus of our professionals for greener pastures outside the country and beckons on the government to make working conditions more favourable to avoid the brain drains as the long-term effect will not be for the good interest of the country.
NEW MINIMUM WAGE
InI view of the prevailing economic hardship in the country, the Synod is calling on the Federal and State Governments, Organised Private sector, and the Labour Union to hasten the negotiations and arrive at an acceptable minimum wage so as to ameliorate the sufferings of the Nigerian work force.
CONCLUSION
We need the birth of a new Nigeria where no citizen is oppressed or marginalized, rather everyone has a right ot strive for good life. We need a nation where the productive sector is consistently and progressively developed and where everyone enjoys the dividends of democratic government. As we continue to pray to God for direction, we trust that He wil direct and empower us toward a better Nigeria.
God bless you.
