Church Rejects Attempts To Suppress Opposition In Nigeria

The eleventh Synod of the Diocese of Umuahia, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), says it rejects every form of attempt to suppress opposition voices, parties and leaders in the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Bishop Geoffrey Ibeabuchi, stated this yesterday in his presidential address at the third session of the synod in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, encouraging fairness during the parties’ primaries and the elections.

He urged the people to revalidate their voting status according to Independent National Election Commission (INEC) and take nothing for granted, and not to accommodate vote buying and selling.

He said, “Resist all forms of election malpractice, be part of the selection process from your ward to national, and you are directed to join a political party of your choice.”

The cleric expressed concern over some of the challenges facing the country which include insecurity, hike in fuel price, consistent borrowing, compromised election and the judiciary.

He added, “As a synod, we are completely not happy over the ways our military officers are consistently being murdered, communities wiped out, and our leaders pretend as though all is well.”

‎‎”Christian genocide especially in the North and North Central cannot be denied by and sane person in this nation. The propaganda of climate change and harder-farmer clash is complete fallacy.

‎‎”We congratulate Joash Amupitan on his appointment as INEC chairman. However,  with recent events it appears the commission has become partisan and compromised. This is not acceptable at all.”

‎‎The bishop, who reminded leaders that posterity would one day judge everyone accordingly, commended the Abia State governor, Alex Otti, for the activities of the government under his leadership.

‎‎”Your Excellency, you have our support in all things good, honest, just and rewarding. We’re impressed with your development strides. We can only pray that God will help you to remain focused and undistracted,” he said.