..as Diocese on the Niger holds 2nd Session of 33rd Synod
By Uzo Ugwunze
The Anglican Bishop on the Niger, Rt Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo has charged the Federal Government of Nigeria to punish electoral violence and Corruption, ensure free, fair,transparent and credible elections as 2027 general elections approach.
The prelate made the call while Presenting his Bishop’s Charge during the 2nd Session of the 33rd Synod themed ‘The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom(Proverbs 9v10)’ and hosted by Nkpor New Covenant Archdeaconry at St Peters Anglican Church, Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State.
Bishop Nwokolo passionately appealed to the Federal Government and all relevant stakeholders to urgently strengthen electoral institutions in order to inspire confidence and restore hope to the democratic process.
“Painful experiences from previous elections have caused many citizens to lose confidence in the electoral system. Campaign promises are often loudly proclaimed and quickly abandoned after victory is secured.
“Consequently, many ordinary Nigerians – the rural dwellers, struggling widow in the city and unemployed graduate on the street now view politics with frustration, disappointment and fear.
“Nigeria today is bleeding from the wounds of disunity, vote buying, political manipulation and a growing deficit of credible and sacrificial leadership.
“Our youths continue to wander without meaningful employment while political actors engage in unhealthy rivalries, endless defections, bitterness and divisive politics.
“The synod Commends the Federal Government for the various ongoing measures aimed at safeguarding Nigerian Democratic process especially efforts geared towards ensuring more credible electoral outcomes.
“The synod therefore passionately appeals to the Federal Government and all stakeholders to urgently strengthen electoral institutions, ensure free, fair transparent and credible elections, punish electoral violence and Corruption, and promote issue- based campaigns capable of restoring dignity to our democracy,” said Bishop Nwokolo.
Moreso, the host Archdeacon, Nkpor New Covenant Archdeaconry, Ven. Frank Obi, Christian Association of Nigeria CAN Chairman Anambra State, Ven Joseph Nweke, Archdeacon, Ugwuagba Archdeaconry,Ven Kperechukwu Nwankwo , President of the Laity, Diocese on the Niger, Pharm Sir Chris Ukachukwu and Chairman Synod Organizing Committee, Sir Felix Okeke (Mmirioma Nkpor) in their separate speeches after thanking God for a successful synod stressed the importance of the Fear of God as a prerequisite for Godly wisdom and effective Leadership which is needed in the Nigerian society to stand up against corruption, violence, money politics, vote buying and other social vices prevalent in Nigeria political process and electioneering campaigns saying that until Federal Government, Leaders, all relevant stakeholders and Nigerian citizens get it right by imbibing the fear of God, they may lack the needed wisdom to succeed in all their chosen fields of endeavour.
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