The Primate Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, has urged the Federal Government to review its counter-insurgency efforts and purge the military of ‘bad eggs’.
Ndukuba argued that those tainted by corruption lacked the commitment to defeat terrorists and help the nation reclaim its lost glory.
The Primate, who spoke on Sunday during the dedication of a new cathedral complex of the All Saints Anglican Church, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, also bemoaned what he called failure of leadership.
This is even as Vice President Yemi Osinbajo likened the situation in the country to a battle between light and darkness and stressed that the church must continue to show both the government and the people the right way to live.
According to Ndukuba, many politicians were compromising security and welfare of the people for personal gain.
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He wondered why some public figures would be supporting the agitation for the country’s disintegration; adding that Nigeria will overcome its challenges only when ethnic and religious harmony exists among the people.
Ndukuba said for the Nigeria to rise again, the military and the political class must purge themselves of rogue elements and transform into those he called “true patriots.”
His words, “A situation in which there are infractions in our security, and we see clear compromise and betrayal in our system is unacceptable. Therefore, we call on the military and the politicians to begin to purge themselves.
“Let us be true. Nothing brings down a nation than deceit. Leadership deceit will compromise security, integrity and the good work that needs to be done for the common good of the people.
This compromise must stop. If we love Nigeria, let us live as true patriots. The labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain.
“We pray that God will arise for this nation someday. But, we need to encourage people not to give up. Yes, we have security, economic and so many other challenges confronting us. We experience these things. The church is part of society. We are not separate from what is happening around us.
“But we want to encourage everyone not to give up. God has not given up on us. So, we are trusting God that Nigeria will rise again soon. In times like this, we can only overcome by uniting ourselves together.
“Therefore, we call upon politicians, religious leaders, the Governors and the President to come together, let us see that we do what we ought to do. We will overcome only as we unite together.”
Earlier in his address, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo explained that the building of the new cathedral was a reminder to the church of its role in providing the moral compass for both the government and the people and building them up in righteousness.
He described the situation in the country as a battle between “light and darkness” but expressed confidence that good will triumph over evil in the end.
The Vice President said, “We must continue to build churches and places of worship knowing that everywhere we plant a church, we establish the light and the power of the gospel of the love of Jesus Christ. It is the answer to darkness, pain and misery of our country.
“The dedication of the physical building called the church must only remind us that the real work of building the church is that of building up men and women. It is equipping the people to live victorious lives here on earth and to show others the way, the truth and the life. This task is more urgent now than ever before.
“The forces of evil of hate are more vehement than ever. The battle between light and darkness is more intense than ever. But the light will prevail.”
Among those present at the church dedication were; the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha; Former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana; and the Emeritus Anglican Primate, His Grace Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh while dignitaries represented at the occasion include: two former Heads of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd) and Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
