Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan has tasked Nigerians to pray and support the Federal Government to overcome the spate of kidnapping, terrorism and banditry in the country.
He described as worrisome the spate of kidnappings and insecurity in the country, saying that insecurity has been there before now, but has now assumed a wider dimension.
Jonathan said this on Friday , in Abuja at the third session of the tenth Synod of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, held at St. Mathew’s Church, Gwarimpa Estate.
It has as its theme : “Servant Leadership.”
He said, “As a nation, from the beginning, we’ve been passing through a lot of challenges; the issues of kidnapping and armed robbery. Even to travel to very near cities such as Kaduna is becoming a nightmare to Nigerians.
“With constant prayers, the country will get through all its challenges.
“For me, who you all gave privilege of being President for five years, the little achievements we made were through your constant prayers. Whenever, I have opportunity, I thank you for the support you gave me.”
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The former President used the occasion to deny allegations of the withdrawal of billion of naira from the nation’s treasury while in office, describing it as false and misleading.
He however acknowledged that the little achievements recorded during his five year tenure was through prayers and the support of God.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, The Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, appealed to the Federal Government to expedite action on the release of Leah Sharibu, the remaining Chibok girls and others in Islamic sects enclave.
He said the injuries inflicted on the girls and their immediate families and the nation was unbearable.
“We appeal to the authorities to do more to rescue them unhurt and release them to their families.
According to him, the lingering state of insecurity in our country, unprovoked attacks, kidnappings by armed bandits has entered a frightful dimension.
He further noted that there has been an improved relations between herdsmen and neighbouring communities, praying that it will be a permanent and genuine end to such troubles.
The primate called on the present administration to rescue Nigerians from the hand of “generator economy” noting that people are now weary with the cost of diesel and maintenance cost of the said generators, adding that Nigeria has proven to be a steady market for generators.
The Cleric also advised the Federal Government to put machinery in place for immediate implementation of new Minimum Wage and not forgetting the plight of the retirees.
The Bishop, while x-raying the feature of Servant leaders, charged governments at all levels to work hard to revamp the economy in order to generate gainful employment for the teaming youths.
He, however revealed that there was an urgent need for government to maintain justice, fairness and ensure that evil was regularly exposed and punished.
Okoh said that politicians who act as God ‘s agents of transformation, would be commended for ensuring impartiality and the prudent management of the resources, for the good of all.
He said it was sad that the country was in dare need of service oriented politicians, statesmen and women.
According to him, Nigeria have excess supply of reward induced politicians, including Christians, adding that these attitude will not transform the nation.
He advised politicians to be a servant leader that will be a model of leadership, adding that politicians should identify and meet the needs of the electorate.
“Under the servant leadership model, power comes from gaining the trust and support of people, and is given freely as a gift. Power is a means for helping others, and not an end in itself.
“It’s to be exercised on behalf of others. It’s only a tool, and its true test is determined by the improved welfare of people,” he explained.
Synod’ comes from the Greek words ‘syn’ and ‘odos’, meaning ‘to walk together along a path’.
A Synod, then, is a partnership. It is democratic, as each component of the Church has a voice in determining the direction and legislative framework for the Anglican Church of Nigeria.