Mass Defection: Anglican Synod Raises Alarm on Nigeria’s Slide to one Party State

By Praise Chinecherem

The second session of the seventh synod of the Anglican Diocese of Aguata, Anambra state has ended at the Holy Trinity Church, Ufuma with a call on politicians to exhibit patriotism rather than selfishness in their quest for political power.

The synod, in a communique issued by the Diocesan, Rt Rev. Dr. Samuel Ezeofor and Clerical Synod Secretary, Revd. Canon Uzochukwu Mojekwu expressed dismay over current mass defections of politicians to the ruling All Progressive Congress APC.

The synod also warned Nigerians against the grave dangers and dire consequences of one party state.

The synod further regretted steady sliding of the nation into hopelessness with more woes than wins for Nigerians as politicians have continued to demonstrate that all they care to think about is the next election rather than the next generation.

The communique partly reads, “The Synod commends the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on this isolated achievement but urges that more be done to achieve further reduction in the price of petrol and ensure that the production and distribution of petrol are sustained.

“The Synod decries and condemns the steady escalation of the state of insecurity in the nation which has degenerated to such state of helplessness that it was reported that not less than N2.23 trillion was paid to kidnappers and bandits as ransom in 2024 alone and yet the situation is not abating.

“The synod calls on the Federal Government and the governments of other states to take firm measures and stem the tide of insecurity in all its ramifications.

“The Synod expresses dismay over the reported planned disconnection of the seat of the Federal Government, Aso Rock, from the national power grid on grounds of high cost of electricity and the planned expenditure of N10 Billion for the alternative solar power.

“The synod wonders why the Federal Government would resort to the solar power option which would invariably keep the government away from and make them unaware of the travails of the ordinary Nigerians, resulting from the asphyxiating power situation.

“The Synod applauded Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his team for the positive and impactful strides of his administration in the lives of the people of the state in the areas of security, law and order, infrastructure, education and youth empowerment through the provision of government sponsored training and skill acquisition opportunities.

“The Synod happily recognizes the bold efforts of the government through massive road constructions and rehabilitations and other projects of transformation in the state which resulted in the recent visit of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The president during the visit commissioned such vital projects as the new Government House making the State now have one for the very first time since its creation 34 years ago, the elaborate multi-facility funcity, the fully renovated, enlarged and better equipped Alex Ekwueme Square and the Emeka Anyaoku Center for International Studies and Diplomacy amongst others.

“The Synod further notes with appreciation that the issue of security has been given more meaningfully serious attention resulting in safer Anambra State, the strident war against idol worship and wealth without work which has resulted in the steady reduction of the erstwhile predominance of related crimes and needless obscene display of inexplicable wealth.

“While commending the Government for these and pleading that more be done to sustain the war against insecurity on all fronts, the Synod implores the Government to give proper orientation to the Government agents and enforcers who often display overzealousness in the discharge of their duties to the detriment of the good intentions of the government.

“The Synod calls on the general Anambra public, the Church, the traditional and political authorities of the communities to join hands with the Government in sustaining the efforts to rid the state of evil and wickedness in whatever form or shade.”