ABUJA – The Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, said on Friday that the church would collaborate with the government to work for the progress of Nigeria.
Okoh said this in his address known as the Bishop’s Charge, at the formal opening ceremony of the four-day 9th Synod of the Abuja Diocese.
“We, as a church, commit ourselves to continue to pray for our Government, and whenever and wherever called upon to do so for the progress of the country.”
He commended President Goodluck Jonathan for what he described as “a wonderful display of the noble virtue of a statesman” by conceding defeat.
“This singular act ushered in peace and calmed every nerve; it was a godly and mature behaviour borne out of great love for our country.”
He also congratulated the President-elect, retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, and the Vice-President-elect, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, on behalf of the Synod, for their victory in the last election.
The Primate charged the incoming administration to endeavour to deliver the promises they had made to the electorate during their campaigns and appealed to politicians to take the necessary action to check the prohibitive cost of electioneering campaigns.
“The cost of electioneering campaigns are far too high in Nigeria; we should find a cheaper way of electing our future leaders into offices.”
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The primate decried the activities of vandals, saying that it was largely responsible for power outage in the country.
“ It is difficult to understand why some Nigerians have resolved to keep us perpetually in darkness, and denying us easy access to petroleum products — PMS, Diesel, gas.
“It is likely that they have international collaborators who smile to the banks selling all brands of generating sets.
“This is a war the incoming Government must fight and win.’’ he said.
Okoh commiserated with the people Nepal over the earthquake disaster that claimed tens of thousands of lives.
“We remember them in our prayers as they contend with such catastrophe,’’ Okoh said.
The primate welcomed all delegates to the year’s Synod session with theme “Give back to Caesar, what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s’’.
He said the theme was timely, likening today’s Caesar as the government and admonished everyone to be law-abiding.
“Make sure you fulfill your responsibilities to the state; pay your taxes and levies in total obedience to Almighty God.
“In your daily activities, be careful not to usurp the government rules and regulations.’’
The primate said though they were not politicians, some church members were being affected in one way or the other by some political decisions.
Okoh said the Synod was expedient once in a while to avoid a clash of interest either with church decision or that of the government.
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`When a government is run with the fear of God, no one will be short-changed’’, Okoh said, adding that the possibility for chaos and anarchy was minimal.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Synod delegates from the eight Archdeaconries in the diocese and participants from the diocese and other invited guests are attending the programme.
The Synod is the highest decision-making body of the diocese and the church in general, where issues that concern the church and the country at large are discussed. (NAN)
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