Insecurity: Anglican Primate Asks Tinubu To Expose, Prosecute Sponsors Of Terrorism

Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Revd Henry Ndukuba, has begged President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate a “decisive will” in ending the nation’s insecurity by exposing and prosecuting the sponsors of terrorism.

Ndukuba made the call yesterday at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Life Camp, Abuja, during the Diocese of Abuja’s Order of Holy Communion and Thanksgiving Service for its 36th Diocesan Anniversary.
The primate while acknowledging the president’s efforts, insisted that mere declaration of state of emergency in security was insufficient, demanding concrete action against high-profile individuals, including former governors, ministers, military generals, and National Assembly members, whom he accused of fueling the crisis.

“We thank God for the political will which the President has demonstrated so far in tackling insecurity in our nation. It is very much different from what we had experienced under the former President.

“It is not enough to declare a state of emergency in the area of security. I think it is better for us to put our foot on the ground and do the needful.

“When those who are sponsoring the insecurity in our land are dealt with, if the courts of Nigeria cannot handle them, let them be taken to the international criminal courts in Hague. Time has come when somebody must pay a price for what is happening,” he said.

While appreciating the security agencies for their hard work and the president’s declaration of a state of emergency on security, the primate said, “But let me ask, is it that we do not know those who sponsor or foment the insecurity in our land?”

“I think the best thing to do is to see that the necessary fundamental things are done. There are some sicknesses that are cured by surgery, and surgery is not a very palatable thing.”
Ndukuba also questioned the clamour for state police without a change in the hearts of the leadership.

“Who are those that will operate those state police? If those in leadership have not really loved the people that they are leading, and they are just fomenting trouble in order to make their own selfish gains, how shall we have peace?

“The scripture says when the righteous are on the throne, the people will rejoice. But when the wicked bear authority, the land will mourn. We will continue to pray for this nation until we are ready to deal with our problems,” he said.

The primate did not mince words in attributing part of the current insecurity to the actions of politicians.

“Some of the politicians were the people who bred what we are suffering now when they brought in people for their own political advantages. And you cannot bring in people, use them and dump them and expect that you will go in and sleep,” he said.

He also pointed to the nation’s porous borders as a key issue that needs urgent attention, endorsing recent recommendations made by a former Minister of External Affairs, Ambassador Bolaji Akinyemi.

Ndukuba while offering a blueprint for peace, pointed to Gombe State as a successful example.

“I think that this nation should go and borrow a leaf from Gombe State. The governor, both the present and the past, the emirs, the hakimis, the religious leaders have come together and agreed that they will have peace in Gombe. And up to today, Gombe is at peace.

“But when you see traditional rulers conniving to breed evil, or politicians bringing in hoodlums in order to attack their enemies, or governors sponsoring wickedness, how can you expect peace?” he said.

The primate who spoke on the Church thanksgiving service, said that the Advent season marks the beginning of the Christian year, encouraging believers to hold onto hope despite the nation’s challenges.

“No matter what we are passing through, the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is near. We have the hope of glory, which nothing in this world can take away from us,” he said, urging a turn away from wickedness towards righteous living.