The Anglican Diocese of Okrika in Rivers State, has warned the incoming administration, both at the federal and state levels, to avoid making lopsided appointments into political offices.
The diocesan Bishop, Rt. Reverend Enoch Atuboyedia, gave the warning in his presidential address during the second session of the Seventh Synod of the Diocese, which held at Saint Peter’s Cathedral, Okrika.
Atuboyedia, who described as worrisome, the present state of insecurity and attacks on christian churches, communities and indeed the citizens of the country, called on government to put high priority on the security of lives and property of citizens by providing adequate security for all citizens.
The Anglican Bishop also called on government to improve on health-care delivery system, so that the current medical tourism among top government functionaries and privileged few can completely be eradicated or be reduced.
He said: “The Church demands that government should put high priority on the security of lives and property of citizens by providing adequate security for all citizens.
“The present state of insecurity and attacks on christian churches, communities and indeed the citizens of this country is worrisome. The security of lives and property of citizens will foster economic growth of the country.
“The government should also ensure that education of our children at all levels is given top priority, as this is the best legacy our country can bequeath to her youths.
‘The government should improve on health-care delivery system, so that the current medical tourism among top government functionaries and privileged few can completely be eradicated or be reduced. Nigeria has the capacity to provide good health-care delivery system and be a destination for health tourism at least in Africa.
“We have great apprehension over the rising inflation, debt servicing burden, fuel subsidy and fear for the future of Nigeria. Alleviating the suffering of the masses should be the priority of the government at all levels.
“The Church demands adequate provisions for education, economic empowerment and jobs for the teeming youths and citizens. The provision of grants and loans for indigent people as a social safe-net for the citizens will offer every citizen the opportunity to contribute to the development of the country they call their own.
“The Church frowns at the negligent attitude of the leaders and the lack of political will to enforce the rule of law. We therefore advice the Government to maintain the rule of law and to uphold civil rights, justice and equity.
“The Judiciary should be made to serve the citizens in matters of justice and equity. Decentralizing the Police Force and the creation of State Police will help to improve on security and maintenance of law and order.
“The Church demands that our leaders should make comprehensive assessments of the policies and procedures of governance to be able to make governance in Nigeria an all-inclusive matter.
“The government should ensure that the appointments into Political Offices are not lopsided and should not be done based on sentiment or sectional interest. The enforcement of the Federal Character and other Regulatory Policies will help to restore balance and fairness in the country.
The Church would hold the government to account for any form of infrastructural neglects, and therefore, demands full execution and completion of road constructions, schools, medical centers and others basic infrastructure to make up for the long infrastructural deficiencies we have suffered in the country.”
