Clerics have reiterated the need for revival among Christians across the globe.
In a communique signed by the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) President, Reverend Stephen Baba Panya and General Secretary, Yunusa Sabo Nmadu which was issued at the end of the 69th General Church Council (GCC) meeting held in Jos, Plateau State, the Clerics agreed that; “This would help them stand firm in their faith and practice in the face of the current onslaughts against the body of Christ all over the world and particularly Nigeria.”
The 4-day meeting themed: “Look He is coming with the clouds,” was aimed at reminding Christians that; “The second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is near and all Christians need to be more vigilant now more than ever. It also encourages them not to be faint-hearted but be prepared for His final coming.”
The Clerics deliberated on Church-related matters, the state of the nation and the global community, they resolved thus: “State of the Nation: The Council expressed dismay with the continued disarray of the Nigeria nation in terms of insecurity, corruption and the near-total collapse of the economy thereby leaving Nigerians helplessly begging for survival.
“Appreciation and Condolences: The Council appreciates the effort of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, by risking their lives in the course of fighting against the terrorists and insurgents. The Council condoles with the families of the security personnel and other Nigerians who lost their lives due to the insecurity in the nation.
“Insecurity: – The Council condemned in strong terms the recent attack on the Abuja-Kaduna bound train, the killing and the abduction of unascertained number of passengers by terrorists as well as the invasion of the Kaduna International Airport, the constant killings and abductions of citizens in Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, Plateau, Niger and other states across the nation too numerous to mention. The Council decried the failure of the government to carry out its constitutional responsibility of securing the lives and properties of the citizens despite the huge amount being spent on security.”
It, therefore, called on all tiers of government to do all it must to secure the release of all abducted victims and bring to a halt the activities of these terrorists in our nation.
Meanwhile, the Council encouraged its members and Nigerian citizens as a whole to exercise their fundamental right to self-defence as provided for by Section 33(2)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) in the face of attacks by these terrorists.
On terrorism, the Council also condemned the continuous activities of terrorist groups including Fulani Jihadist militia, Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits terrorizing the north, middle-belt and other parts of the country.
“Forceful Occupation of Native Lands:- The Council once more draws the attention of Government to the systematic genocide being executed against Christians and other autonomous communities throughout Nigeria. This is orchestrated through continuous raids on Christian farming communities with lethal weapons, often in the dead of the night, wherein thousands of our people have been murdered in cold blood and their lands forcefully occupied by the marauding Fulani jihadist assailants.”
The Council, therefore, called on the Federal Government to ensure the return of these Internally Displaced Persons to their ancestral land.
“Assist such returning farming populace with the necessary farming inputs so that they could reactivate their farmlands as well as provide all other basic amenities.
“Make all captured terrorists face the full wrath of the law to serve as deterrence to those intending to join these terrorist groups.
“Call for Release of the Captives: The Council continues to express fears over the lingering case of Leah Sharibu who is still in captivity for the singular reason of not renouncing her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Other abductees in this category include: Grace Lukas, Alice Loksha Ngadah, Lilian Gyang, the remaining Chibok School Girls and several others. Council therefore re-echoes its call on the Federal Government to secure the release of the abductees and admonished Christians not to relent in praying to God for His divine intervention.”
Participation in Politics
The Council reiterated its earlier call on Christians to shun political apathy and to actively join political parties of their choice in order to help sanitize the polity.
“It frowned on the aloofness of Christians to participating in political activities and vying for political positions so as to influence desired positive changes in the Nigerian polity. Council further encouraged Christians and all Nigerians to come out en-mass and participate in the ongoing voter registration and actively get involved in voting and making sure their votes count during the forthcoming general elections.”
The Council appealed to the government and the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), to put the interest of the nation first and resolve the industrial crisis as soon as possible.
According to them, this would forestall idle students from being easily recruited by terrorists, kidnappers, bandits, cultists, and criminals.
On Food Security the Council noted with great concern, “The biting hunger among Nigerians due to the shortage of food supply as a result of insecurity of all kinds that have paralyzed the activities of rural farmers. The Council urged the Church to apply the wisdom of Joseph of old in Egypt to reduce the impact of food security issues. Also, the Federal Government should as a matter of urgency act decisively to avert the threat.
“The Council noted the deplorable condition of infrastructures like roads, hospitals, schools etc. Some of the roads have become death traps and countless citizens have lost their lives. The Council calls on the Federal and State Governments to immediately take action by fixing these facilities for social and physical benefits of the Country.
“The Council laments that many young people have no jobs neither are they engaged in legitimate businesses. In addition, many public servants retire early and thereafter remain unproductive. These idle persons, especially the young ones, are easily available to be recruited for crime and other anti-social activities. There is therefore the need to promote entrepreneurship as a means of equipping many capable minds and hands with positive skills and so contribute collectively to nation building. ECWA reiterates the urgent need for job creation by the Government, the Church, NGOs and the business community. Council equally urged the business community to invest not just for profit but also to offer some services to make positive impact on the society, especially the poor and vulnerable groups.”
The meeting had in attendance members of the ECWA Executive, ECWA Board of Trustees, Chairmen, Secretaries, and Delegates of all the 91 District Church Councils (DCCs) including the USA.
Also in attendance were Directors of Departments, Chief Executive Officers of ECWA Strategic Business Units and Heads of Tertiary Institutions as well as leaders from the ECWA Chad Republic were in attendance as observers.
Communique/PIAK
