Only Responsive Governance Can Save Nigeria – Anglican Bishop

The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Calabar, Rt. Rev. Nneoyi Onen Egbe, has said responsive governance is the surest path to national stability, warning that Nigeria’s future depends on leaders placing the citizens’ welfare above politics.

In an interactive session after flag-off of 12th Synod of the Diocese in Calabar, Egbe linked the country’s worsening living conditions to growing public distrust.

He said many Nigerians were relocating in search of better opportunities, and called on governments at all levels to treat the crisis as urgent.

“The government should make this a political emergency and pay immediate attention to fixing waste management, roads and schools to prevent population loss and fiscal decline,” he said.

The bishop argued that restoring confidence requires deliberate investment in public infrastructure, education, healthcare and environmental sanitation.

While acknowledging efforts by the Cross River State Government under Governor Bassey Otu in agriculture, aviation, youth employment, security, education and healthcare, Bishop Egbe said more must be done.

He pointed to abandoned urban roads, poor access to government, unresolved communal conflicts, and the vacant Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board as areas needing immediate attention.

On national issues, the cleric expressed concern over rising insecurity, economic hardship and weak institutions.

He called for constitutional reforms, true federalism, judicial independence and credible elections, saying these are necessary to rebuild trust between the people and those in authority.

“Responsive governance remained the surest path to national stability and development,” he insisted.

The bishop also highlighted the Diocese’s contributions over the past year, including the creation of the Ikom and Ogoja Missionary Dioceses, expanded scholarship support, investments in education and agriculture, and sustained campaigns against gender-based violence and drug abuse.