Stephen Fagbemi, the Bishop of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Owo Diocese has called on the Federal Government to address the issue of security challenges and other issues threatening the existence of the country before the 2023 general elections.
The cleric also cautioned that failure to resolve the issues may not augur well for the country.
Fagbemi gave the warning while reading the Bishop’s Charge at the first session of the 14th Synod of Diocese of Owo Anglican Communion, held at the St. Paul’s Church, Ifon, headquarters of the Ose Local Government. The synod was themed “Chosen to proclaim”.
According to him, Nigeria has found itself in a most unfortunate state, to the extent that some were beginning to suggest that it is becoming a failed state as a result of the inability of the government to address the country’s problems.
He called on churches and individuals to commence a process of self-defense mechanism in the face of the present security threat to the country, adding that if urgent action is not taken by the government, the country may explode.
He said, “What we heard from those who have been released from kidnappers’ den is that a particular ethnic group of this country is responsible and they have a plan to take over every part of the country. We have heard this line of claim several times. A responsible government ought to have investigated this by now and come up with a clear strategy for dealing with this trend.”
On the forthcoming general elections, the cleric said Nigerians need leaders with the necessary aptitude and courage to lead the country out of its quagmire.
He also noted that until the country recognises the rights of every Nigerian to practice the faith of their choice without any intimidation and discrimination, peace, progress and justice will continue to elude the country.
“Going for the 2023 elections without defining these issues and many others that threaten our collective existence is to defer the evil day. I appeal to all civil, religious, and political leaders of this country to abandon all selfish interests and deal with these urgent national issues,” he charged.