Nigerians have grown accustomed to violence and murder, says Jonathan

As the 2027 presidential and general elections approach, former President Goodluck Jonathan has emphasized the need for focused leadership in Nigeria, citing the country's numerous challenges, including insecurity and moral decline.

n

Jonathan made this statement while speaking at the first session of the 13th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Abuja, which was held at St James Anglican Church, Asokoro, with the theme "The Priesthood of All Believers: Equipping God’s People for the Work of Ministry."

n

The former President expressed concern that Nigerians have become desensitized to violence and bloodshed, and that the country is losing its moral values and sense of humanity, as evidenced by the frequent occurrence of killings and destruction of property without provoking national outrage.

n

Jonathan noted that the Church plays a crucial role in shaping society and upholding moral standards, and urged religious leaders to continue speaking the truth and defending righteousness, particularly in the face of growing negative influences from technology and modern information systems.

n

The former President emphasized the importance of integrity and courage in public service, stating that leadership matters greatly in moments of crisis, and that society progresses when men and women of integrity and vision stand in the right places and speak the truth.

n

Jonathan also expressed appreciation to the organizers for the invitation and prayed for God's continued guidance upon the Church and the nation, emphasizing the need for national reflection, spiritual renewal, and responsible leadership.

n

Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Henry Ndukuba, called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, and his Resident Electoral Commissioners to demonstrate neutrality in the forthcoming 2027 Presidential and general elections.

n

Ndukuba criticized politicians for prioritizing power struggles over governance and citizens' welfare, and warned that the persistent use of ethnicity and religion to fuel violence remains a major driver of insecurity across the country, emphasizing the need for responsible participation by people of integrity.

n

The Primate expressed concern over the country's public debt profile of N159.28 trillion, unstable electricity supply, and the management of crude oil resources, calling for transparency and policies that would directly benefit citizens, and urging Nigerians not to lose hope despite the country's economic and security challenges.

n

Ndukuba stated that the link between macroeconomic stability and household relief remains disconnected, with 133 million out of 220 million Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty, and emphasized the need for stronger investment in agriculture, manufacturing, and youth employment to drive economic growth and reduce hardship.

n

The cleric condemned the continued killings, attacks, and displacement of communities in parts of the country, and commended the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, and local security groups, while stressing that security strategies must be improved to address the growing threat of violence and insecurity.

n

Ndukuba quoted from Scripture, saying "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God," and urged citizens to continue praying and working for national peace and unity, while expressing confidence that God would preserve Nigeria and guide the nation through difficult times.

n

Former Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Nicholas Okoh, called on Christians and Church leaders to remain committed to God's purpose despite the challenges facing society, emphasizing the importance of unity, prayer, and good leadership in both the Church and the nation.

n

Okoh urged Christians to continue praying for leaders and to take part responsibly in national affairs, especially as elections approach, stating that the Church is part of the nation and that the coming elections will affect the well-being of the people.

n

Former Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Peter Akinola, described the conference as both symbolic and strategic, particularly at a time when the global Anglican Communion is confronting a "revisionist agenda," and expressed satisfaction that foreign delegates who attended the conference left Nigeria with a positive impression of the country.

n

The event was attended by prominent personalities, including General Yakubu Gowon, Jonathan, Ambassador Godknows Igali, Christian leaders, bishops, clergy, and delegates from different parts of the country.