By Adeola Badru The Methodist Church Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to take more decisive measures to tackle worsening insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, corruption and declining living standards, warning that increased government revenues and allocations have yet to translate into meaningful improvements in the welfare of ordinary Nigerians. The church also threw its weight behind the establishment of State Police, describing it as a necessary component of comprehensive security reform capable of strengthening grassroots intelligence gathering and enabling faster responses to emerging security threats across the country. The positions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 50th/15th Biennial Conference of the Methodist Church Nigeria. While reading the communiqué, the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr Oliver Ali Aba, JP, during a press conference held at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Light, Agodi Gate, Ibadan, on Monday, said the Conference had prayerfully reflected on the condition of the church and the nation and reaffirmed its belief that, despite the difficulties confronting Nigeria, the country could overcome its challenges through faith, righteousness, justice and collective action. The Conference declared that “despite Nigeria’s present challenges, God’s promise remains sure,” adding, “‘The Lord shall fight for you.’” It therefore called on Nigerians “not to surrender to fear or despair, but to remain steadfast in faith, uphold righteousness, pursue justice, and work together for the peace and progress of the nation.” On the state of the economy, the church acknowledged reform efforts by the government in some key sectors but expressed what it described as “deep concern over the worsening economic hardship, hunger, insecurity, unemployment, and declining living standards confronting millions of Nigerians.” It identified “corruption, impunity, and the mismanagement of public resources as major impediments to national development”, stressing that the country’s economic difficulties required stronger accountability and leadership focused on the welfare of citizens. The Conference observed that, “despite increased revenues to the Federal Government and higher allocations to states and local governments, the expected improvement in citizens’ welfare remains largely elusive.” It further raised concerns over the implementation of constituency projects, noting that “substantial constituency project appropriations have often failed to produce visible grassroots development.” The church consequently demanded “transparent, accountable, and people-centred leadership that confronts corruption decisively, safeguards public resources, promotes investment, food security, and job creation, and ensures that the benefits of economic reforms reach ordinary Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable.” The Conference also expressed deep concern over persistent insecurity across the country, particularly recurring killings and violent attacks in Benue and Plateau States, as well as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts and other forms of violent criminality threatening lives and national stability. It, however, commended the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, alongside other abductees rescued from Ogun, Kwara and Niger States. The church applauded the Federal Government, the affected state governments and security agencies for the successful operations, while honouring the memory of Nigerians who had lost their lives to insecurity. It prayed for “the repose of their souls”, as well as “the comfort of the Holy Spirit, peace and grace of Christ” for those who had been bereaved, maimed, displaced or otherwise badly affected by insecurity. The Methodist Church also pledged its support for efforts to end insecurity through “our prayers, our substance, and moral instructions”, while supporting the government’s resolution not to pay ransom to kidnappers. The Conference further “reiterates its support for the establishment of State Police as part of comprehensive security reform to strengthen grassroots security, intelligence gathering, and rapid response to emerging threats.” The church equally condemned recent xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, describing them as “a grave affront to human dignity, African solidarity, and peaceful coexistence”. It commended the Federal Government for evacuating affected Nigerians and urged the governments of Nigeria and South Africa to intensify diplomatic engagement to protect Nigerians, uphold justice and strengthen relations between both countries. The Conference also reaffirmed the sanc
Don't miss out on breaking stories and in-depth articles.
