Bishop Ezeofor to Gov. Soludo: Check Agunechemba excesses before outfit loses public trust

The Bishop, Diocese of Aguata Anglican Communion, Right Reverend Samuel Ezeofor, has challenged the Federal Government to take decisive steps towards addressing the rising spate of insecurity, corruption and economic hardship in the country.

Bishop Ezeofor gave the charge during the Third Session of the Seventh Synod of the Diocese themed “God’s great task for the church 3: The great commitment,” at Ezira, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The Prelate regretted that the country has fast degenerated into a abyss of uncertainties marked with insecurity, corruption, economic deprivation and selfish political leadership.

He regretted, “It is all about the survival of the political class rather than service and welfare of people. The rate of political cross-carpeting across parties will soon leave us with one-party state with all its disadvantages.

“There is almost at the present no real and objective opposition. What we have now is the toxic political maneuverings that have left the economy, social and developmental challenges of the nation with no attention.

“We must remind our leaders that a one-party system places any nation in serious disadvantage as it: eliminates political opposition, leads to authoritarianism and unchecked corruption as well as lack of accountability.

“It also suppresses dissenting voices, restricts individual freedoms, lacks democratic representation and often results in poor government and limited policy innovation.

He decried what he termed “the abandonment of governance” to pursue the 2027 elections. “This is quite unfortunate. Indeed, politicians only think and talk about the next election while leaders think and talk about the next generation.

The Bishop however commended the development strides recorded in the last four years in Anambra State under the leadership of Professor Chukwuma Soludo, even as he warned against actions that can undermine the gains made so far.

“Everything rises and falls on leadership. Leadership really borders on the wisdom to know what is right and the courage to get it done. We have seen the above in the leadership of Prof. C.C Soludo in the state.

“The five solution pillars of security law and order, human capital and social agenda, governance and new value system, and environment have guided the administration’s efforts so far and remarkable progress have been made in all the five pillars.

Bishop Ezeofor however appealed to Governor Soludo to look into the unwholesome activities of Agunechemba security operatives under Operation Udo-Ga-Achi.

“The joint task force seems to be experiencing the same corruption that has been the bane of the Nigerian security forces and outfits. It is not just about the money being collected by them from the people, the intimidation but now they are being hired to forcefully bury the dead against consent of family members. Their activities and excesses have to be checked.

He also decried appointments being made by the present administration which he noted were skewed in favour of the Catholic denomination. “The recent appointments say so much about this. We know that the governor looks for the best from anywhere, but we cannot believe that the best comes from one church denomination.

“We are all Ndi Anambra and know ourselves. The governor needs to address this imbalance in his future appointments. This is our candid counsel.

On the theme of the synod, Bishop Ezeofor charged the church to take seriously the responsibility of raising a godly generation who will keep hope alive for Nigeria’s future.

In his remarks, the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim, stressed the need for the church to unite in addressing societal ills.

Archbishop Ibezim called on families not to abdicate the task of raising responsible and exemplary children who will grow into patriotic adults.

“Those days while I was in the university, I remember that day when my mother slapped me for wasting the pocket money which my father gave me. That was how parents of those days built their children for the future.

“I challenge us – let us practice family anywhere we are. In the church, practice family. When we meet as Bishops, let’s practice family. When the knights meet, they should practice family. Doing so, the church will be united. Let’s strive to overcome divisive tendencies,” he admonished.