Nigeria Should Learn From China, Build New Cities To Decongest Abuja, Lagos, Says Anglican Church

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) on Sunday in Abuja advised that every citizen should return to the farm to save the country from the embarassment of food crisis.

The Anglican Church also called on the Federal Government to learn from China and  build new cities in the six geo-political zones to decongest Abuja and Lagos and help the nation to grow.

While admitting that Nigeria economy has been a subject of great concern due to its diverse and biting challenges, the Anglican Church said the economy is currently at its lowest ebb since independence with macro-economic indicators moving in discouraging directions. 

“Monetary policies have been inconsistent, non-supportive of economic growth, ineffective and cost-push inflation has been out of control resulting in high food prices. Nigerians are hungry! 

“The government should have a rethink on its penchant for external borrowing, give proper attention to fiscal policies, and diversify its economic base by harnessing our abundant natural resources”, the Church said.

The Primate of the Anglican Church, Most Rev Henry Ndukuba said these while reading to journalists a communique issued after a standing committee meeting of the church held at the Cathedral Church of Ascension, Boji-Boji Owa, Diocese of Ika in Delta State and attended by 145 Archbishops and Bishops, 150 Clergy, and 94 members of the Laity. 

He said, “Nigerians are not asking for too much, Nigerians are not lazy. They are asking for only food, security and infrastructure. The opening of strategic food reserve shows there is danger ahead. Nigerians should go back to the farm. 

“The political elites who have captured the wealth of the country should also sacrifice to salvage the nation by using their wealth for all. Corruption and wickedness are dealing with us.

“The Federal Government should learn from China which built new cities. The government should build more satellite cities in the six geo-political zones to decongest Abuja and Lagos to help our nation to grow.

“The economic planners should look out for strategies and should not be carried away by group interests. We should not end up where the six geo-political zones will be fighting one another.”

Corruption

“The fight against corruption in our nation remains an ongoing battle in every sphere of the Nigerian life and governance. The public office holders should shun all forms of corruption, as it is the bane of the woes of our nation. All corrupt public office holders and their collaborators should be brought to book and disciplined accordingly.

Judiciary

“The image of the Judiciary has been a subject of great concern. It however commends some of the recent judgements of the Supreme Court on some State Governorship elections which have reassured the people as a nation that justice and succour can be obtained from our judicial system. The Judiciary should do more to guarantee justice in the country.”

Insecurity 

Ndukuba decried the constant attacks in Plateau, Zamfara, Ekiti, Ondo, Benue, parts of Imo and Anambra States and other parts of the country and called on the government and statutory security agencies to rise to their responsibilities of protection of the lives and property of the citizenry, giving heed to the call for effective community policing.”

According to him, the failure of government to provide quality education for her citizenry, has compelled Nigerians to seek admission in other countries, thus spending huge sums of money in foreign countries, thereby weakening the Nigerian economy. 

He faulted the craze for certificates from unapproved institutions, and, accordingly urged the government to enforce extant regulations on institutions approved for study. 

The cleric also called on the government and all stakeholders to provide quality education for Nigerians and renews the consistent demand by the church for a totally civilian and democratic constitution made by a sovereign representation of her people and not the continuous amendment of a military formulated constitution. 

Friday Olokor, Abuja

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