By our Correspondent
The Bishop of Mbaise Diocese, Anglican Communion, the Right Reverend Chamberlain Ogunedo JP, has called on Nigerian governments at all levels to be guided by principles of equity, fair play and respect for human rights.
This he said, will guarantee fostering of bond of unity , cohesion and functionality of Nigeria’s diverse cultural and religious bias.
Bishop Ogunedo made the appeal at the 3rd Session of the 11TH Synod of the Diocese, holding at ST. Mark’s Anglican Church, Okpofe in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo state.
In his words, “our history is ruined and tossed about by unscrupulous politicians who have continually truncated and destabilized the democratic process, ruined and impoverished the civility in governance and bastardized the trust committed into their care.
“ The inconsistence in advancing a vision for national renewal rooted in prudence, accountability and economic revitalization is consequential to our woes of many regrets”.
The Bishop whose audience included 20 other bishops, from other dioceses, among them, the Archbishop of Owerri Province, His Grace, Right Reverend David Onuoha, stressed the need for redirecting attention to pressing issues confronting the country, rather than vilifying opposition voices and nation centered discourse.
His Lordship regretted the progressive invasion of the land by insurgents , bandits and boko-haram even within the domain of our security agencies.
“How could we explain the rationality in the conquering feat of these hoodlums with more sophisticated weapons and acrobatic military display?
“Who are the saboteurs in the military and the government, mortgaging the lives of the common man in exchange for power and blood money “.
Bishop Ogunedo emphasized that what Nigeria needs now is a government that hears the cry of the people and devotes time to the safety and well-being of the suffering masses, stressing the need for sincerity in economic plans; reforms and formulations armed at touching lives .
“ We need a government that hears the cry of the people, a government that acknowledges the supremacy of God; His Almightiness and power and indeed His judgment.
“ Above all , we need a government that knows that posterity will never forgive those who in one way or another have contributed to the dehumanization of humanity.
“There is need for true adherence to democratic governance, where the three arms of government are independent, autonomous and legitimately standing without any molestation and abuse whatsoever.
“ We need true democratic governance where our votes count and the mandate of the people is sacredly honoured with good governance; protection of the lives and prosperity of the citizens made paramount and the unity of the country not bargained on the altars of nepotism, electoral fraud and unpatriotism”.
Drawing inference from the Theme of the Synod: “Courage brother, do not stumble”(Joshua 1:9), the Bishop urged Christians to face the current challenges and hardship in the country with faith and confidence. According to him; “the Christian strength, is most evident in how he responds to crises. Successful Christians are often those who are steadfast in their vision and purpose, even when the storm rages around them.
“This strength is not something you muster up on your own- it is God given , built on the foundation of faith, devoid of stumbling tendencies. But even if you stumble, don’t fall”, he concluded.
