Anglican Communion advocates national dialogue for Nigeria's survival

By Chike Ifedi

Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion has called for a sovereign national dialogue even as it has noted that Nigeria is at the brink of becoming a failed state not too far from Somalia.

 Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate, Church of Nigeria, Henry C. Ndukuba who stated this during the  Standing Committee Meeting at All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha, said that the arrogance and imposition of armed cattle herders was   worrisome.

The primate said that  justice and equality and of citizens in a free and democratic society remained  issues  that must be openly and frankly discussed.

His words,  “we call for a new comprehensive sovereign national dialogue by all ethnic nationalities and regional representatives apart from the legislators”.

He said there was need for mandatory weapon and gun control considering the security situation in Nigeria.

 On #EndSARS protest, he stated that the youths staged the protest with specific demands.

“We commend the initial response and attitude of federal government and urged them to keep their words to the youths of the nation.   

Most Rev Ndukuba said the general election of 2023 would be an  an opportunity for the citizens to exercise their rights to choose credible leaders, stressing that politics is God given process in ordering  of his words  and society.

 He urged every Anglican to register, obtain and keep their voter's cards.

On the theme, ' Costly Commitment, The  Imperative in  Following Jesus Christ', he observed that we live in a generation where people are prone to go for what they will gain rather than sacrifice or pay  to get or serve others.

“This is a generation that commitment is conditional.  The idea of costly commitment may sound alien to many people but it is fundamental in the understanding of the Christian faith”.

He noted that during the general synod in 2020,  there was need to set out focus in ministry of the church.

He stressed that the standing committee is a costly commitment required by God from everyone who decides to follow Jesus Christ and do what God demands from his children .

"This is aimed at deeping our personal and corporate commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ in such a way that our lives will be totally rolled and built upon Christ."

Earlier, Gov. Obiano of Anambra State commanded the Anglican Communion for their evangelism. 

The governor, who was repented by his deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke  stated that the  state government has been in partnership  with the  church to  enhance better living condition for  the citizenry.

  The Standing Committee meeting was attended from all provinces in Nigeria and  attracted archbishops bishops and the clergy as well as   various  past and  present political leaders.