The Anglican Church has urged the federal government to fairly and diplomatically engage the various groups agitating for freedom and self- determination on round table discussion instead of employing brute force to silent them which only heightens tension, insecurity, poverty, hunger and violence in the country.
Also, the Church has advised the federal government to shun every form of political and economic shortchanging and marginalization of some sections of the country and include every tribe in the day to day running of the country.
The Church made the urge through the Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Ikeduru, His Lordship, Rt Rev. Emmanuel Maduwuike while presenting presidential address during the 1st session of the fifth synod of the Diocese held last Saturday at St Marks Anglican Church, Umuduruonyeoma Umudim, Umudim Archdeaconry, Ikeduru local government area of Imo State.
According to Maduwuike, “the Church observes that many tribes are clamouring for self- determination because of varying forms of injustice in the governance of the country. It therefore urged government to initiate dialogues and inclusive governance to address the reasons for the agitations and stop engaging people or groups with opposing views”.
On insecurity, the Church was bitter about the rising insecurity in the country which it said arises from bad governance, greed, corruption and hatred on the side of the ruling class, even as it expressed sympathy for those whose beloved ones were killed, maimed or displaced, lamenting over the murder of an Anglican Church Priest, Rev Emeka Merenu, calling on “government at all levels to take actions that would restore confidence in its ability to protect lives and stem the tide of despair and hopelessness.
Let it make sure that the killers of innocent people are quickly identified and brought to book to serve as deterrent.
