Bishop tasks government on security, urges clergy to defend their faith

The Bishop of Archbishop Vining Memorial Church, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. James Odedeji, wants the Federal Government to show more commitment to the security of its citizens.

The bishop gave the charge in Lagos, at a message for the consecration of three bishops.

The new bishops are; Israel Okoye, consecrated as Bishop of Ihiala, Rt. Rev. Akinpelu Johnson, as bishop of Lagos Mainland and Rt. Rev. Abel Ajibodu, as the bishop of Ile-Oluji.

He said insecurity in Nigeria is crying for attention and therefore demands Federal Government’s intervention.

The Archbishop of Ecclesiastical Province of Aba, Rev. Ikechi Nwosu, was also presented as the new Dean for the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

Also presented was Revd. Michael Fape, as the new Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, who replaces outgoing Archbishop, Adebayo Akinde, who would retire in August.

The service was presided over by the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, The Most Revd. Nicholas Okoh.

He said: “The lives of human beings are like those of animals to some people, who have chosen the path of wickedness. This is why there are kidnappings here and there and people are living in perpetual fear.

“Poverty in the land is driving so many people to criminality and illegality and it is unfortunate that in a country like ours, lives and properties are no longer safe,” he added.

Odedeji assured that men of God would continue to pray for the nation, stressing that, but for prayers, the situation today would have been worse.

He advised the newly ordained bishops to go forth and become solutions, in the midst of problems and uncertainties in the world.