The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has strongly condemned the federal government’s handling of recent nationwide protests against the increasing hardship and bad governance in the country.
In a meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday, the bishops of the church voiced their deep concern over the government’s insensitivity to the suffering of citizens and its failure to address the underlying causes of the widespread unrest.
In a statement released at the conclusion of the House of Bishops’ meeting, the church leadership, led by the Primate and Metropolitan of the Church, the Most Rev’d Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba, and the Rt. Rev’d Dr. Williams Aladekugbe, Episcopal Secretary, expressed their disappointment in the government’s approach.
They emphasized that the protests represent a “clarion call” for governments at all levels, particularly the federal government, to acknowledge the plight of the people and take immediate action.
“The protest is a clarion call to governments at all levels, especially the federal, to heed the cry of the people, and not scapegoat anyone as no government can legislate or stop people who are hungry from protesting,” the statement read.
The bishops further condemned the excessive use of force by security agents against protesters, which has led to the loss of lives. They called for the urgent training and retraining of security personnel to ensure they adhere to acceptable standards of engagement, particularly in situations involving civil unrest.
In addition, the church leaders urged the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the protesters, stressing the need for immediate, short-term, and long-term measures to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. They warned that the failure to address these concerns could lead to further instability in the country.
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)’s strong stance reflects a growing frustration among religious and civil society groups over the government’s handling of the economic and social challenges facing the nation. The bishops’ call for action highlights the urgency of addressing the root causes of the protests and implementing policies that will bring relief to the millions of Nigerians struggling with poverty and insecurity.
