The Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger, Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim has urged President-elect to place the interest of Nigerians above tribalism, ethnicity and acrimony.
He also urged him to focus on nation building, stressing that progressive city thrives on fairness and justice.
The Archbishop gave the advice in his Presidential charge during the First Session of the 13th Synod which held at St Peter’s Church, Agulu, in Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State.
“Based on the result pronounced and published by INEC that declared Bola Ahmed Tinubu the President-elect of this great country, we congratulate him and the entire Nigerians for the value placed on peace rather than violence.
“As we look forward to the swearing-in ceremony slated for May 29, 2023, we plead with the incoming government to focus on building this nation.
“We urge you to place the interest of the people above tribalism, ethnicity and acrimony. Nigeria belongs to all of us and every citizen must be given equal right and justice.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us. We’re hoping that this administration will deliver a new Nigeria where dividends of democracy will be a shared benefits and peace will reign.”
Ibezim however slammed the outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, describing the 8 years as very challenging to Nigerians.
He regretted that the outgoing government foisted all manner of hardship and suffering on the citizens of the country, including witnessed massive killings, kidnapping, looting and inflation.
He said the government failed to resolve numerous agitations across the land, noting that even unemployment and hardship he promised to address on assumption of office were never attended to.
His said: “Nigeria as a nation is blessed by God with human and material resources which ought to be utilised for the good of the people, but unfortunately, the resources that are meant for the benefit of all have been hijacked by few in authority.
“These eight years have been very challenging. The administration was marked with incessant killings, kidnappings, unresolved agitations, looting and inflation, increased rate of unemployment and hardship, lopsided appointment, and fuel scarcity.
“The people are yet to breathe the air of democracy. Our politicians show little or no interest in the people they are supposed to be representing. The people are tired and they are yearning for a new Nigeria.”
Assuring that a new Nigeria where justice, fairness, equity, peace and progress reign will emerge at the end, Ibezim commended Nigerians for changing the campaign and voting narrative of the country despite the excruciating economic hardship.
He condemned INEC’s performance in the recent presidential election especially as regards the credibility of the process, noting that the institution failed the hope of millions of Nigerians.
Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo restated his call for the church to rise to the occasion and take responsibility for a better Anambra.
He revealed that while the government has a role to play, individuals, institutions, and the church play a larger role in the journey to a liveable and prosperous homeland.
While noting that the body of Christ is one, Soludo condemned the resurgence of idolatry in the land, emphasizing the importance of defining the Christian identity for the upcoming generation.
“As we build the symbol of the state, we must ingrain it as a state, predominantly dominated by christians,” he stated.
He commended the church for their support and collaboration, describing them as a vital partner.
“Taking Anambra to the next level will require all of us working together.” We must bond together as a state, including the entire South East.
“Because the church represents who we are, we must unite and work harder to move Anambra forward.
“There is a call to duty as well as a call to action!” “The church has a role to play in shifting the situation from a perilous to a glamorous society.
“We must be the change we want to see because we will be known by our fruits.”
“The society would be a better place if every family or individuals live out the true meaning of our calling as Christians.”
“Our personal and collective responsibility is where the action is,” the Governor stressed.
He urged churches to desilt drainages, plant trees, campaign towards stopping running water flowing out from residential houses, which causes erosion, and reintroduce its missionary component, which includes building schools and educating the poor.
The Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Senator-Elect Anambra Central, Victor Umeh, Bishops, Clergies among others attended the synod.
