Anglicans laud nation’s unity, urge action against rising prices, others

Anglicans in the Diocese on the Coast, Ondo State, have admonished the Federal Government to sincerely address issues and challenges threatening the corporate existence of Nigeria so that the country can be a peaceful place for every citizen to realise life ambition.

The Bishop, Rt. Revd. Oluseyi Olaoluwa Pirisola, gave the advice in his charge to the second session of the ninth Synod of the diocese held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Lebi, Okitipupa.

The Synod offered special prayers for Nigeria and thanked God for keeping the country united in the face of myriad forces undermining its unity, including Boko Haram terrorists, bandits, killer herdsmen and kidnappers.

Pirisola, who lauded efforts by the Federal Government to tackle insecurity and the rising tide of criminality, said that for the move against the menace to yield desired results, sponsors of insurgency, kidnapping and killing of innocent citizens must be exposed and openly prosecuted.

At the four-day event attended by dignitaries, including traditional rulers, the delegates urged the government and other stakeholders to intervene and bring down the skyrocketing prices of products and services, which they said, was worsening the poverty level in the country and could make many citizens indulge in criminal activities.

Pirisola urged the government to implement the national economic diversification agenda to achieve food sufficiency, and make COVID-19 vaccines available to every citizen in need of the drug just as he advised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to resist being used to silence political opponents.

The Synod commiserated with the Federal Government and families of top military officers who died in a recent plane crash, urging stakeholders to investigate the cause of such an accident that is becoming too frequent in the country.

The delegates congratulated Governor Rotimi Akeredolu for his electoral victory that earned him a second term in office. They lauded his development projects in all sectors and charged him to give special attention to the restoration of electricity supply to Okitipupa, Irele, Ilaje and Ese-Odo local councils.

The church urged the government to crush the rising activities of cult groups in Okitipupa that have led to the killing of seven youths in recent time.

Also, South-West governors were commended for establishing Amotekun to complement the work of the police.