The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion has asked the present administration to give proper attention to fiscal policies and have a rethink on its penchant external borrowing as the country’s economy is currently at its lower ebb since independence in 1960.
The Church stated this in a Communique it issued at the end of the Standing Committee Meeting held Monday from 5th to Friday 9th February at the Cathedral Church of Ascension, Boji-Boji Owa, Diocese of Delta State.
The Communique which was signed and read to journalists by the Archbishop, Metropolitan and the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba noted that the nation’s monetary policies have been inconsistent and non-supportive of economic growth.
“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”, the Communique stated.
On corruption, the Standing Committee called on public officeholders to shun all forms of corrupt practices as it is the bane of the woes the country is facing.
“All corrupt public office holders and their collaborators should be brought to book and disciplined accordingly”, the Communique noted.
While noting that the image of the Judiciary has been a subject of concern, the Anglican Church commended the recent judgments of the Supreme Court on some state governorship elections, which according to them have reassured Nigerians that justice and succor can be obtained from the judicial system.
On insecurity, the Communique said “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 lives and property of the citizenry, giving heed to the call for effective community policing”.
Furthermore, the Communique noted the failure of the government to provide quality education for her citizenry, which according to it has compelled Nigerians to seek admission in other countries, thus spending huge sums of money in foreign countries, thereby weakening the Nigerian economy.
“We need the birth of a new Nigeria where no citizen is oppressed or marginalized; rather everyone has a right to strive for a good life. We need a nation where the productive sector is consistently and progressively developed, and where justice and equity prevail”, the Communique added.
