Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, has accused traditional rulers and religious leaders of colluding with politicians to perpetuate the nation’s security and food crises.
During a Confirmation Service at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Abuja yesterday, Ndukuba declared that Nigeria’s problems have become “hydra-headed” with no human solution.
“The issues and problems of Nigeria are hydra-headed. It is such that I do not think any man or group has the solution to most of these problems. It is only God that can help us, only if we are sincere with ourselves,” he said.
The Anglican leader alleged that politicians have compromised community leaders, making it difficult for the government to find solutions to insecurity.
“If you want to touch people in the church or the mosque, you go through their religious leaders. They have bought us over, and we sing their praise. You are targeted if you are not saying what they like.
“We have had cases where traditional rulers aligned themselves with the enemies of the state and caused mayhem to their own people,” he said.
Ndukuba, while connecting the security crisis to Nigeria’s food emergency, warned, “The enemy is attacking us in the most terrible place – our food supply. Once a country is crippled in food security, anybody that gives you food controls your mind.
“These people are not Nigerians. They have no stake here. They go for whatever they will get, and our own people connive with them,” he said.
While referring to Benue State’s crisis, the primate dismissed calls for a state of emergency as ineffective.
“Check what is happening in Benue State. The Benue people have a hand in it. Let them begin declaring a state of emergency; it does not even solve the problem. Benue will not be like Rivers State.
“If the president is pushed to do that, I am telling you that it will be better for us to begin to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara, Sokoto, and other places. I think that we need to determine how to deal with these issues.
“Unfortunately, food production is key to the life of this nation, and we must do all we can to see that the farmers are protected and they are enabled to do what they should do. And we are trusting God that the Lord will help us,” he said.
Earlier in his sermon commemorating Pentecost, the primate expressed hope for divine intervention: “I believe God is making a fresh move among us. If we obey God and do His work faithfully, we will do the right thing, offices will function, and markets will thrive.
“May the Lord remember His people, visit us again in Abuja and help us recover the vision for our calling,” he said.
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