Rt Rev (Dr) Geoffrey Obijuru, the Anglican Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, has vehemently condemned the call for an interim government in Nigeria, arguing that the worst democracy is better than the best military government.
In his Presidential address at the third Session of the 10th Synod of the diocese held at the St Silas Anglican Church Old Umuahia on Friday, the Anglican Bishop contended that there is no provision of an interim government in the Constitution.
“We totally disagree with the DSS for heating up the polity. Intelligence reports of this sort are handled intelligently. Attempt to blow issues out of proportion in order to defend the government in power or to silence the opposition is grossly unacceptable”, he warned.
On the Presidential election petition before the Election Petition Appeal Tribunal, the clergy man opined that Nigeria judiciary is standing trial before Nigerians and the international community.
His word, “We’re taught that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man. However, the common man seems to be losing hope in the Nigerian Judiciary because they now operate as an arm of the Executive rather than as checks to the Executive and Interpreters of our laws.
“In the history of our country, Nigeria, the Judiciary is standing trial before and the international bodies. Can they stand by the truth or use technicalities to subvert justice? God is watching; Nigerians are watching. I earnestly pray that the Justices of our Supreme Court will stand by the truth and nothing but the truth”.
Rt Rev Obijuru asked the federal government to seek a political solution to resolve the challenges in the Southeast and immediately release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“Clearly, the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari carefully excluded this region from the affairs of the nation and at the same time forcing everyone to remain silent. We want to advise the Federal Government to kindly release our son especially now that he is in dire need of medical attention”, he counseled.
The Cleric used the opportunity to call for the unity of Ndigbo, telling them to ensure that peace and unity reign supreme in their midst. He stressed the need for them to abide by the philosophy of being ones brother’s keeper in a country where they are despised with impunity.
On the election of Alex Otti as Governor of Abia State, Rt Rev Obijuru used the forum to congratulate the Ex Banker for emerging victorious in the Governorship race of the State and requested him to depend on God in his leadership of the State, be resolute, appoint tested and trusted individuals, pay Pensioners and Civil Servants and run an inclusive government amongst other requests, pointing out that if he focuses on his campaign promises, he will be successful in his administration Abia State.
THE COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 3RD SESSION OF THE 10th SYNOD, THE DIOCESE OF UMUAHIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION), HELD AT St. SILAS CHURCH, OLD UMUAHIA, UMUAHIA ARCHDEACONRY, UMUAHIA, ABIA STATE.
PREAMBLE:
WHEREAS, the Diocese of Umuahia, (Anglican Communion). From inception, holds her Synods annually, hence the 3rd Session of the 10th Synod of the Diocese, held at St. Silas Church, OldUmuahia, Umuahia Archdeaconry, Umuahia South, Abia State, from Wednesday, 3rd May, 2023 to Sunday, 7th May, 2023, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and presided by His Lordship, the Rt. Revd. (Dr.) Geoffrey Obijuru Ibeabuchi, the President of the Synod and the Bishop of the Diocese.
WHEREAS, in attendance were the Wife of the Bishop and the President of the Women’s Ministry. Umuahia Diocese, Mrs.Gospel Ogechi Geo-Ibeabuchi, Ph.D., Diocesan officials, the Clergy, Synod Delegates of the Diocese, and other Dignitaries, the Synod was properly constituted.
AND WHEREAS, the Synod deliberated on the Theme, “URGENT RESPONSE TO CHRIST: HOW READY ARE YOU?” (Mark 2:14), and featured Holy Communion Services, Bible Studies, Synod Lecture, Prayers, Plenary Sessions, and the presentation of the Presidential Address.
1. APPRECIATION:
The Synod commends the Federal Govemment of Nigeria for:
i. Conducting the 2023 General election (even though marred by large scaleirregularities).
ii. The massive turn out of the electorates,particularly the Youth for the Elections.
iii. Suspending(temporarily) the planned removal of fuel subsidy as doing otherwise would have worsened the economic hardship of many Nigerians.
iv. The Suspension of the 2023 Population census given that majority of Nigerians no longer trust the sincerity of the govenment in transparently executing this project and wrong timing.
1. OBSERVATIONS AND CONCERNS
The Synod lamented and strongly condemned:
i. The abysmal and shameful irregularities that largely characterized the conduct of the 2023 general elections, contrary to the assurances by the INEC.and the out-going regime.
ii. The untold and protracted hardship foisted on the citizens of Nigeria following the recent currency (Naira) redesign policy of the Federal govenment orchestrated by poor planning and preparation by the CBN.
iii. The unfounded classification of the IPOB as the 10th most terrible Terrorist group in the world (though this was later retracted).
The gross failure, and often times, connivance of law enforcement agents to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians and more particularly, the recent
ADDRESS:
Bishop’s Court.St Stephen’s Cathedral Compound.
Plot 33,Eket Street/Niger Road,P.O.Box 96,Umuahia,Abia State.
Phone:08030859430,08025450295
Email:geobijuru@gmail.com;beabuchigeo@yahoo.com;umuahiadiocese@anglican-nig.org
